The Man of God, Who Can Find?

THE MAN OF GOD, WHO CAN FIND?

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.  Suffer hardship with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.  And also if anyone completes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.  The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.  Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.  Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel.

~2 Timothy 2:1-8

 

The exemplary man, who can find?  Amongst all strains of men, it is his that is most endangered.  Yet when he is found, his worth to the household of God is unsurpassed – far more than that of the earth’s most precious of jewels.  The hearts of God’s enemies respect him; the hearts of God’s people esteem him.  His leadership they trust, and his example they emulate.  He is none other than the man of God

The man of God is distinct. The world looks at him and sees an alien.  The saints look at him and, though they adore him, sense his difference.  He is unlike those around him, and lives his life with a holy fire that keeps all but the most devout of Christ’s followers just a little bit off balance.

The man of God is dignified.  He considers with all seriousness the things of God, and carries out His commands carefully with trembling.  He understands that life is no game to be played, but a battle to be fought that requires utmost dedication and reverence.  Towards holy things he exhibits not familiarity, but fear.

The man of God is dynamic.  His spirit is not one of timidity, but one of God-given power and discipline.  His girds his loins with strength, and under the most intense pressure his courage shines.

The man of God is resilient.  When the pain increases, he does not retreat.  Suffering, to him, is a must should he grow in deeper fellowship with the Savior, and he is stubborn in his refusal to give up even through the most intense of afflictions.

The man of God is focused.  In the midst of the worldly pleasures around him, he remains undistracted.  From the snares of fleshly enticements, he remains disentangled.  He arms himself with discipline, with a face like flint set directly ahead to the taking up of his cross.

The man of God is a God-pleaser.  The approval of man he quickly shuns, yet the smile of God is his aim.  What man can do to him he disregards, yet before the Lord he trembles.

The man of God is courageous.  When trials come, he does not panic.  Before his enemies, he does not fold.  In the midst of the most perilous of journeys, he resiliently presses onward.  Though he is neither pugnacious nor quarrelsome, tenacious a fighter he is to the end for the causes that matter.

The man of God is diligent.  Sloth and laziness find no place in his life.  He understands that spiritual fruit comes not from wishful thinking overnight, but skillful living over time.  He does not shy away from labor, and for the kingdom endeavors he agonizes to the point of exhaustion – with holy sweat being the by-product of his spiritual toil.

The man of God is sincere. Marked by integrity, he competes as an athlete does according to the rules.  He considers himself subject to the same things that he teaches, and wholeness characterizes his life.  That which he prescribes, he is first to practice.

The man of God is simple. His passion is unified, and his pursuit is singular.  His aim is no other than the glory of God, and his practice is no other than the discipleship of God’s elect.

The man of God is humble.  He considers the strength that he has as one that is not of his own, but knows that all that he has comes from the Savior.  Though bold, he understands the limitations of his humanity, and entrusts himself wholly to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The man of God is imprinting.  The knowledge that is entrusted to him, he considers himself a steward of, and not an owner.  He does not consider himself the sole teacher of truth, but invests his time and energy into discipling and training men to faithfully teach the truth of God as he himself does.

The man of God is faithful.  Though at times his strength may wane and his fervency flag, he remains steadfast to the course.  At times he falls into sin, and discouragement may weigh heavy on him through the course of his life, but his commitment to the Savior and His cause is unwavering.

The man of God is devout.  No matter where he is and what season of the year it may be, the entirety of his life is dedicated to a singular cause – the proclamation and growth of the gospel word and the glorification of Jesus Christ.

The man of God is devotional. Throughout the course of his life and ministry, he remembers his Savior.  Amidst the joys and sorrows battle, his eyes gaze upon the cross and his heart captured by the love displayed upon it.  With every victory won, his soul remains captivated by the simple fact that Jesus Christ loved him and gave Himself up for him.

Bravado is deceiving and brute strength is vain.  But a man who fears the Lord – he shall be praised.