GLEANINGS FROM THE SCRIPTURESBIBLICAL CHARACTER QUALITIESBy Keith L. EstesPunctuality vs. Tardiness- Showing high esteem for other people and their time. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1. Truthfulness vs. Deception- Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts. “Wherefore put away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor. Eph. 4:25a. Alertness vs. Unawareness- Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right responses to them. “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” Self-Control vs. Self-indulgence- Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit. “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Gal. 5: 24-25. Wisdom vs. Natural inclinations- Seeing and responding to life situations from God’s frame of reference. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Prov. 9:10. Resourcefulness vs. Wastefulness- Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10. Orderliness vs. Disorganization- Preparing myself and my surroundings so that I will achieve the greatest efficiency. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” 2 Cor. 14:40. Attentiveness vs. Unconcern- Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided attention to his words and emotions. “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” Heb. 2:1. Hospitality vs. Loneliness- Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life. “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Heb.13: 2. Reverence vs. Disrespect- Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me. “Let not thy heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is an end: and thine expectation shall not be cut off.” Prov. 23: 17-18. Discernment vs. Judgment- The God-given ability to understand why things happen. “But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam. 16: 7. Thriftiness vs. Extravagance- “Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary. “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? Luke 17:11. (Mammon- Wealth ill used or ill gotten.) Initiative vs. Unresponsiveness- Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it. “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom. 12:21. Sensitivity vs. Callousness- Exercising my senses so that I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me. “ Rejoice with them that do rejoice and weep with those that weep.” Rom. 12:15. Reference: From the Bill Gothard Seminar- Used by permission. |