My, Devotion to Him #52
When we examine the lives of some of the great people of the Bible there are four common traits that stand out in each of them. These are traits in which we should learn and apply to our lives. These are traits in which make a Christian Hero.
1. Passion for Our Lord
Definition of Passion: strong and barely controllable emotion.
Many people in the Bible had an undying passion for the Lord. David in Psalm 23 expressed his wonderful passion for God. In Joshua 23:6-8 Joshua expresses his gratitude for God’s mercy and guidance. In Numbers 32:11-12 God said that Caleb would see the promise land because he served him wholly. We need to have an undying passion for Christ.
What would it look like if we had this type of passion for God in our life? What would our love for Him look like? What would our walk with Him look like? How much could we change things in our life by simply becoming passionate about the Lord?
2. Commitment
Definition of Commitment: The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.
Definition of Commitment: The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.
In 1 Kings 2:1-4 David expresses his commitment to God in his final instructions to Solomon from his death bed. In Joshua 24:14-15 Joshua became aware that the children of Israel had taken images from the Amorites after conquering them, they had hidden these images in their tents. Joshua demonstrates his total commitment to God by telling the children of Israel to make a choice as to whom they would serve, but as for him and his house they “would serve the Lord”.
3. Compassion for God’s People
Definition of Compassion: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Accompanied by a s strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
Definition of Compassion: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Accompanied by a s strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
Even though Saul had been trying to kill David, David spared Saul’s life on two occasions (1 Samuel 24:1-6; 1 Samuel 26:6-9) first in a cave and secondly when he found him asleep because he believed he was God’s chosen King. David also showed great compassion for Jonathan’s crippled son in 2 Samuel 9:6-9. Esther showed compassion for her people by telling her King the plans of Nathan in Esther 7:1-6 even though it could have cost her, her own life.
4. Courage
Definition of Courage: The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain without fear
Definition of Courage: The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain without fear
David slew Goliath at the age of 12 (1 Samuel 17:41-50). Goliath was over 9 feet tall and the head of his spear alone weighed over 6 pounds. All of Saul’s soldiers trembled in fear at the sight and the sounds of Goliath, yet David at the age of 12 took Goliath’s challenge not for himself but for the honor and glory of God. Esther could have lived a life of luxury in the King’s palace but risked it all to save her people in Esther 4:13-17. In Numbers 14:23-25 God singles out Caleb for his courage and commitment to him when he encouraged the children of Israel to take the land God promised them even though it was inhabited by giants. Finally, Joshua and Caleb were the only 2 men that were not afraid of the giants that dwelled in the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:27- 33; Numbers 14:1-9).
We need to have Passion for God, be Committed to Christ, have Compassion towards people, and Courage in the face of evil, uncertainty, and adversity on a daily basis for our Lord.
Copyright © 2017 by Jacob D. Olinger
Spirit Warrior Ministry 