The dads in our amazing Youth Group teach each week’s lessons. This year, they’ve been covering several character sketches of men and women from the Bible. We’ve learned about both good and bad character from them.
In turn, I taught on the character of Barnabas. I’ll ask you the same question I asked the youth and their parents.
“Based on what those around you know about you and see in your life, what would your nickname be? What are you known for?”
Sometimes, the nicknames people give us aren’t good. Other times, they can be terms of endearment. However, my question is more profound than this. My question is referring to a prominent character trait in your life. Whether it’s good or bad, it’s generally one that your friends, co-workers, teachers, or family quickly notice and would call you. Hopefully, they’d say it to your face (possibly even behind your back).
Maybe you’re the extrovert or the thoughtful neighbor. Perhaps you’re the funny or popular one in class. Possibly, you’re the potty mouth or the encouraging co-worker. I don’t want to discourage you or have you be overly critical about yourself. However, it’s likely that if the first thing that comes to mind is negative, it’s something you can grow in. It’s also something the Holy Spirit wants you to help you with!
Ask Yourself
To put it another way, a better question could be, “What do you want to be known for?” We’ve all heard of “to-do” lists, but how many of us have a “to-be” list? For instance, I want to be an excellent pastor and a devoted follower of Christ. Along with that, I want to be an excellent husband. I hope to be a loving, engaging dad and a hard worker. In other words, I want to be many things when I stop to think about it. I’m sure you do, too.
Many things certainly influence our “to-be” lists. We must aspire to establish character traits that will have a good influence for generations to come, even into eternity. The Holy Spirit will undoubtedly help His redeemed people in our sanctification processes and in what He has called us to be. There are also plenty of biblical examples of “to-be “lists to help us.
Of course, we should strive to be encouraging and helpful. Our speech and conduct should always set an example. Additionally, we should love well and be faithful and pure in our thoughts and deeds.
Above all, let’s strive to live a life of holiness before God and man. One that is so well-known and pronounced in our characters that those around us indeed want to give us encouraging nicknames.
Always growing,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor