It's engaging in Christlike relationships, and modeling his behavior. It's a life filled with integrity. Lives in which the standards we live by are equal to the standards God commands us to live by. Our ultimate display of love to him is to be obedient and follow his commands. As we may not do it perfectly,through his grace and forgiveness we will be restored through repentance,asking for forgiveness and transforming; do not keep the old behaviors.
Learning to accept his love we tell ourselves we are worthy of authentic love. The type of love that is written in 1 Corinthians 13 verse 4-7:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts,always hopes, always perseveres."
This last week has been a challenge for me personally as I had to choose the standard of life I wanted to follow. I also had to open my eyes to the clear signs that I've been seeking from God. As difficult as it is to sometimes to follow His plan, in my obedience, He has given me peace. I also know that He can now do his GREAT work in and through me. He will use this experience to bring my heart closer to His and to show me what He desires me to set my eyes upon.
The other night I was sitting at dinner with friends, and I made the following comment, "I just want a husband whose heart is as passionate for Christ as mine. They don't have to want to be as involved as me or anything. I'd be okay with that." My friends mother's response was, "Well, why shouldn't he be?"
Later, leaving that conversation it became clear that I should not settle for less than what is commanded of me? God should be first. Above anyone or anything that brings us pleasure, our eyes should be fixed on his master plan for us. He should be the purpose of our entire life. Her comment made me realize that when I begin to lower my standards for myself, I also begin to lower my standards for what God wants for me. What happens is we begin to seek our own desires. We want things to happen on our time, in our comfort zone, and in our control.
The other day I came across the following article. It truly describes what a man of God looks like. It is a standard that I will not deter from. God wants the best for me, and in return so should I. Our hearts desire should be the same as His. I am worthy of this type of man because this type of man is created by God. ♥
Seven marks of a godly man - Chris Reynolds
Men, it is never too late to stand up and be counted as one of the faithful in the Kingdom of God.
It should always be our goal to be a loving father and a faithful husband. In the Old Testament book of Job, Job, the author and the subject of the book,gives us seven characteristics of a godly man in chapter 31.
James Dobson said, "The western world stands at a crossroads in its history. It is my opinion that our very survival as a people will depend upon the presence, or absence, of masculine leadership in millions of homes. I believe, with everything within me, that fathers/husbands hold the keys to the preservation of the family."
Job is a man, who blessed the name of God in the mountains and the valleys of his life. He blessed God when he had plenty and he blessed God when he had nothing. Job did not waiver in his commitment to God.
From the life of Job, we learn that a godly man guards his morality(vs.1-4/9-12). A godly man keeps his behavior in check. He allows himself to be accountable for his actions. He reserves his sexuality for his marriage relationship. He does not give himself over to a lustful mind or visual satisfaction. A godly man models for his children the pattern of a man who is strong but pure.
From the life of Job, we learn a godly man protects his integrity (vs. 6-8). A godly man knows the value of his integrity before God, his wife, his family and his church. A man of integrity can be trusted in his words and actions.
From the life of Job, we learn that a godly man is involved in his community(vs.13-23/31-32). A godly man models the tender heart of Christ. A godly man understands that he has a responsibility to model Christ to his neighbors. One man said, "He hears the cries of the sick and visits them, feels the hunger of the starving and feeds them, sees the nakedness of the poor and clothes them. A godly man sees those who are imprisoned by addiction and seeks to free them."
From the life of Job, we learn that a godly man concerns himself with spiritual things (vs. 24 -28). I love the phrase, "A godly man never forgets who he is, whose he is, or where the meaning and power for life come from."
In the life of a godly man, his foundation is God.
Dr. Stew Webber, in his book, "Tender Warriors," writes:"Fathers and husbands need to learn faithfulness. Stand by your promises.Never, never let go no matter what. When marriage isn't fun, stay with it. When parenting is over your head, stay with it. When work is crushing your spirit,don't let it beat you. When the local church is overcome with pettiness, stay faithful, stay by it. When your children let you down, pick them up. When your wife goes through a six-month mood swing, live with it and be faithful to her... Be a man. Be faithful."
From the life of Job, we learn that a godly man controls his emotions (vs.29-30). A short emotional tirade can do a lifetime of damage. A godly man learns his triggers and learns to discipline his responses to situations.Emotions left unchecked will destroy a man's life and home.
From the life of Job, we learn that a godly man is not afraid of accountability(vs. 33-34). My friend, Eric Thomas, recently wrote, "Cracks in our character unattended create catastrophe in our conduct. So, I'm headed to my men's small group!" A godly man never denies that he is a sinner and in need of a Savior. He owns up to his brokenness. Proverbs 28:13 says: "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."
From the life of Job, we learn that a godly man is a faithful steward (vs.38-40). A godly man sees that everything in his life belongs to God, and he is only the manager. He realizes that the day will come when he will give an account of his management.
Job faced adversity and remained faithful to God. God blessed his faithfulness and He will bless yours. Take your family to church this Sunday!
My path to healing is keeping my eyes fixed upon God's love. It's knowing he will never fail me. It's believing that God will reward me for my faithfulness and obedience. It's the hope that in His perfect timing and if it's His will for me, He will bring me my Godly man, one with the character of "Job".
I will continue this race with my eyes fixed on the ultimate reward, not the rewards of this world but that of eternity. I will continue running regardless of how smooth or bumpy the path may get. Each experience is growth, and in my growth I get closer and closer to Christ ♥
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Dear God,
No matter what happens,
Give me the heart that is willing to obey You
whatever the cost may be.
Love, Me ♥
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Amen sister. Thank you, I so needed this reminder. At times I do forget where I have come from, and where I am now. Take note sister: we have seasons in our life. Painful. Joyful. Happy. Sad. We must learn to accept all and have contentment and Thankfulness in all things. It may be overwhelming at times, but you will get through it. I am always here for you and thank you for being a rock reminder for me <3
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