Brief Description and Correlate Biblical Reference to the Following Topics - Philippians 4:8-9 States
Brief Description and Correlate Biblical Reference to the Following Topics:
Character
The Use of Power
Stewardship
Justice
Regina R. Davis
September 23, 2015
Why Character Is Important
Philippians 4:8-9 states, “ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” The words found in this scripture give us a clear view of good character. Character is defined as a pattern of behavior, thoughts and feelings based on universal principles, moral strength, and integrity. Character is the principles and boundaries a person lives by daily. Character is the most valuable thing you have, and nobody can ever take it away. The choices you make in life determine your character. Character is what makes people believe in you and it is very important for a successful life. A person with good character also displays integrity, being honest, trustworthy and true to your word. When you don’t exhibit integrity other gets hurt and your character is tarnished forever. Your reputation is destroyed and the trust others have in you is broken. Without your good reputation and trustworthiness, your relationships both business and personal fail.
The Use of Power
Power is the ability to influence others. It is an attribute that should not be taken lightly. Power often times has a negative connotation. It is easy to think of leaders using power for unethical or immoral reasons, but a great leader has a vision to achieve major ideas that they dream of achieving, and they have the personal power to act it out. The use of power is necessary to accomplish goals. Power is a natural process in the framework of organizational life. Getting things done in a timely fashion requires power and in a role of leadership power is an essential factor. Leading others is not just a matter of having a good technique. An ineffective leader very seldom results from ones lack of knowledge, nor is it typically due to inadequate managerial skills. Effective leadership is about creating an environment in which all your followers can perform independently and effectively toward a common objective. This is the type of power any great leader must display. The definition of ultimate power can be summed up in Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Through Christ you can do all things.
Stewardship
“For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.” (Titus 1:7-10) The simply meaning for the word, stewardship is to manage someone else’s property. As a Child of the Most High, everything belongs to God; He has given us a mandate to take care of His creation. Since everything belongs to Him, we must treat them as such and in all that we do we must acknowledge Him. Neither this world nor the things in this world belong to us; this is not our home we’re just passing through. We are merely lessees of the property, money, relationships, talents, time, and even our lives. That means all that we are and all that we have are not really ours to begin with. They belong to God. So, the duty of a Christian is to learn how to become responsible stewards of our Lord’s resources He has entrusted into our care. It means to manage everything to the best of our abilities for His glory (1 Cor. 4:2). We must be faithful over the few things He has entrusted us with down here and one day He’ll move us to his mansion on high and make us rulers over many.
Justice
When I think of justice the first thing that comes to mind is court. Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” God's justice rewards the virtuous or punishes the offenders. God does not forget your work and labour of love. He gives a reward, not because we deserved it, but because he has promised it. He is also just in punishing the offender. He punishes sinners by God’s law. Justice is one of God’s attributes that flows out of His holiness. Justice and righteousness are often used synonymously in the Bible. Since righteousness is the character of being right or just, it is another attribute of God and incorporates both His justice and holiness. We cannot begin to recognize God’s justice unless we first understand sin. Sin is lawlessness and man was born into sin, therefore, man has a sinful nature. However, God is a just God and because He loves us so He laid down His life for our sinfulness. His holiness is the source of His justice. Holiness will not allow Him to do anything but what is righteous and His will for us is that we display that same impartiality to our fellow man. Leviticus 19:15 tells us, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” God wants us to be fair to one another.