What kind of person are you? We deal with people all the time, and most of us want to know something about those with whom we have regular contact. It is even more important if the association is close, such as in marriage. Everyone should want to marry a good person, someone who’s loving, kind and responsible.
Judging character is about insight, whether it’s personal in the way you see yourself or the way you look at others. It’s also important to judge accurately. (John 7:24) I need to be honest evaluating myself, so I can use my strengths and work on my shortfalls. My opinion about others may influence the time, trust and friendship I give them.
It is difficult to believe people when they say they don’t care what others think about them. If someone has a low estimation of my character it’s an indictment against the person they think I am. No one should try to please everyone because they can’t, but everyone should try to live right and be a good person. (Titus 2:6-8)
To be a good person is hard work because it involves so much. It involves the whole man, with every decision and action rising to the highest standard. (Col. 3:1-4) There’s danger when we think of ourselves as being noble for a few virtuous acts while we’re corrupt in other areas. If the person you are depends on the moment and circumstance then you are falling short. (Gal. 6:3-5)
Goodness is not arbitrary and it’s not a matter for the individual to decide. (2 Peter 1:20-21)) This is contrary to current public opinion. It seems the general philosophy of our time is each person chooses for himself what’s good and right. (Prov. 14:12) I decide for myself sound appealing until another’s choice slaps me in the face. You see, he can do what he wants because it’s right in his own eyes.
The Bible is the best guide for anyone wanting to be a good person. Its message teaches us how to handle life and most of all how to be right with God. (2 Tim. 3:14-17) It even shows us how to live so our critics will have no fuel for the fire of their hostility. (1 Peter 3:16)
If you want to be a good husband or wife consider the words in Ephesians. (Eph. 5:22-33) A wife should submit to and respect her husband. A man should love his wife by caring for her needs, wanting what is best for her, and loving her as much as he loves himself. Be faithful to your spouse and remember the pledge of marriage.
If you want to be a good parent follow the advice of Paul. (Eph. 6:4) Don’t be unreasonable with your children by expecting too much from them. They are young and wanting to grow physically, mentally, intellectually, and spiritually. Give them a chance. Provide a godly education and teach them how to be good people. Correct your children and discipline them when necessary. Be there for them by giving your time and energy to their needs.
How do you act in the workplace or as a citizen of this country? These institutions are not always ideal or the way you want them, but their problems don’t give you the right to behave improperly. If you want to be a good employee, employer or citizen follow Paul’s instructions. (Eph. 6:5-9 & Rom. 13:1-7)
A good person does not lie, steal or cheat under any condition. Goodness bars sexual relations outside marriage, as well as sensuous conduct and dress. If you want to be a person of integrity don’t use profanity and control what you say. (Eph. 4:24-32) It’s sad but today’s society gives sinful people a free pass and even judges them to be good.
Even by following the above principles there is something still missing. No one can be a good person without God because everyone is a sinner. (Rom. 3:9-18) You must reverse your condition, but you can’t do it alone. (Acts 17:30-31) We need God’s help to achieve goodness, which He gives through Christ and revelation. Goodness comes when God forgives our sins after we obey His Plan to save. (Rom. 6:12-18)
If you want to be a good person then become a faithful Christian. You will not only do well in life, but you will excel as a person. I’ve never seen a faithful Christian who was not a good person.
Let me now ask what kind of Christian are you? A second rate Christian won’t do, neither will someone who’s just trying to get by. (Matt. 16:24-26) What is God going to say about your effort? He will say what He has already said in the Bible. It is the Book which tells us what it means to be a Child of God and how we must live to please Him.
A good Christian puts God first in his life. He worships regularly, faithfully, and as directed by God’s Word. (Heb. 10:25-27) A follower of Christ will want to be in His presence during services. He will not look for reasons or excuses to miss, but instead he will sacrifice other interests to be there. (Phil. 3:7-8) It’s time for vacation or a business trip; the first question should be “where is a faithful congregation to attend.”
Service opportunities abound for God’s People and so there’s just no reason for you to sit on the sidelines. (Matt. 25:34-46) Church members get sick, elderly Christians may need help, and there is always people who need encouraging. Make a phone call, send a card, or go by and visit with your brethren. Don’t forget to reach out to the lost in suitable ways.
Do you read your Bible and study with some regularity? Prayer is one of the greatest tools we have against temptation and despair, but not if you don’t use it. Sing when you’re happy and be thankful always. I hope we are faithful and useful Christians to God.
By Terry Starling