PEER PRESSURE ROSS SMITH

PEER PRESSURE                                                                                                   ROSS SMITH

ALL REFERENCES FROM THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE UNLESS NOTED.

It is an unfortunate fact that many of us would deny that we are subject to peer pressure simply because our pride won’t allow us. If, however, we take time to evaluate our behaviour when confronted by different individuals or groups and analyse the decisions we have made, have they always been decisions in accordance with God’s word, or dictated by our conscience, or made to fit in with the individual or group? Do we always consider in great depth both the ethics and the ethos, or do we go with the crowd.?

PEER PRESSURE can be either positive or negative, although I have some ambivalence regarding the use of the term in relation to our spiritual life; it may more accurately be called “INFLUENCE”. PEER PRESSURE is normally exerted by those with the loudest voice whereas Ephesians 5:11 nominates the “INFLUENCE” of an exemplary life rather than an extemporary mouth.

There is a glaring example of peer pressure being effective at the highest levels recorded in the book of Luke.

Luke 23:22-24                                    A THIRD TIME (This is the peers wearing him down  ..  comments mine) he (Pilate) said to them, Why? What wrong has He done? I have found [no offense or crime or guilt] in Him nothing deserving of death; I will, therefore, chastise Him [in order to teach Him better] and release Him.  But they were insistent and urgent, demanding with loud cries that He should be crucified. And their voices prevailed (Their “VOICES” not their “VALUES”  ..  comments mine) (accomplished their purpose). AND PILATE GAVE SENTENCE, THAT WHAT THEY ASKED SHOULD BE DONE. 

Notice this was “THE THIRD TIME” that these people have molested Pilate with their demands, and they have worn him down, HE SUCCUMBED TO THE PEER PRESSURE OF THE POPULACE.  It was “THEIR VOICES” not their VALUES that agitated the result, the same thing that often affects us as well.

 EVEN THE BOSS BUCKLED

From this discourse is plain to see that “PEER PRESSURE” affects all and sundry, even to the highest levels of Government and in our own society small pressure groups are impacting our government policy. We were not meant to fit in, but to stand out. (Ephesians 5:11, “a life of contrast”)

The secularisation of the church is the direct consequence of “Peer Pressure”, LOUD VOICES WITH LOW VALUES, both from a compromised and ineffective leadership and also often preferred by double-minded congregations, wanting to be known as “Christian”, but siding with worldly practice, forfeiting blessing for buzz.

We must ask the question, who is our example or who causes us to respond in a particular fashion, be it for good or for evil? It surely is not the government of the day, we are more discerning than that but are obligated to pray for them. But insidiously it can be our family, our workmates, those with whom we fellowship and possibly even unidentified television stars or elite athletes. We have seen the disasters of events like “Jonestown” where whole communities were decimated by the influence of one man.

We should note however that there is positive “PEER PRESSURE” and the apostle Paul, who unequivocally had runs on the board, suggested that he was a pattern to follow, as found in, 1 Corinthians 11:1  PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah). It is appropriate to note that Paul was recommending his “EXAMPLE” or in the terms we are employing, his “INFLUENCE”. 1 Peter 1:16  For it is written, YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.

No matter how pressured you feel you always have the option of saying NO. As people who want and are determined to follow the Lord and the directions of the Word, we need to be able to discern “Distraction”, both internal and external and be prepared to deal with it.

All things are LEGAL but not all things are EXPEDIENT (1 Corinthians 6:12) and so we “learn by experience”, that is, we encounter PEER PRESSURE, but bring the Word of God to bear and respond to a sensitive conscience, dismissing the concern of consequence of “not fitting in”.

The statement “all things are legal” can serve some to excuse behaviour/attitude which is not becoming for a Christian. The apostle was intimately acquainted with the “legal” due to his previous career/vocation as a Pharisee, so he was not advocating matters that were obviously illegal.

For example, it is quite legal for me to sleep in the morning but not expedient when I know the Lord wants to meet with his people early. It is legal for me to make numerous trips to the buffet but not expedient, and Proverbs 23:2 puts it like this, (CEV)  Don’t go and stuff yourself! That would be just the same as cutting your throat”.

Expedient means “fit, suitable, appropriate to, or for a purpose,”  a simple assessment to guide and control our behaviour/attitude

Paul and Titus were subject to “PEER PRESSURE” of a different kind to that which we may be exposed, but their motivation and objective was exactly the same as ours should be, the preservation of the truth.

Galatians 2:5                                      To them we did not yield submission even for a moment, that the truth of the Gospel might continue to be [preserved] for you [in its purity]. 

 Paul and Titus were impervious to PEER PRESSURE they didn’t even have to think about it, “even for a moment”. So sensitive was their spirit/conscience and so steeped were they in the Truth, the interlopers didn’t get to 1^st base.

But before we begin to think that we can be completely isolated from the influences of other people the apostle Paul again very clearly defines the conditions under which he functioned, and we may also have to contend, though probably not to the same degree. Even though the reading is extensive it is worth the effort as the apostle explains that in all these areas he complies with the situation for a very positive result, for the redemption of those who would exert their influence. There was no suggestion of any self-interest or advantage in his behaviour.

1 Corinthians 9:19 – (to 27)             FOR ALTHOUGH I AM FREE IN EVERY WAY FROM ANYONE’S CONTROL, (In other words, he was free from PEER PRESSURE   …   comments mine) I have made myself a bondservant to everyone SO THAT I might gain the more [for Christ].  (It is a good thing to examine our motives, the “SO THAT” of our decision)

“We can be distracted by what others want for, or from us. Sometimes those closest to us, the ones we love and who know us best, aren’t the ones who will help us get to “what’s next”. Their agenda frequently is bereft of either direction of the Word or the mind of the spirit. Paul says it so powerfully in, Galatians 1, you can almost hear the strident tones in his voice as we read this.

What are we here for!? Whose opinion matters in the end? Let me answer this on his behalf: we are not here to be the person others think we should be. WE ARE HERE TO BECOME THE PERSON GOD CREATED US TO BE, WITH NO APOLOGIES AND NO COMPROMISES.

Galatians 1:10                                   Now am I trying to win the favour of men, or of God? DO I SEEK TO PLEASE MEN? If I were still seeking popularity with men,  I should not be a bond-servant of Christ (the Messiah).

Peers (aka “people”) influence our life, even while we don’t realize it, it occurs simply by our being in contact with people. We learn from them, and depending on their disposition, it can be for BETTER or for WORSE. Paul said, “1 Corinthians 5:9  I wrote you in my [previous] letter not to associate [closely and habitually] with unchaste (impure) people.” See also Galatians 2:12 – 13

It is natural to listen to and learn from other people and can only be to our disadvantage if we are not strong enough to refute ideals and principles that do not comply with what we know the Word of God requires.

Back in Old Testament times, this phenomenon was recognised and recorded in Malachi 3:16 promotes the demographic that is conducive to our spiritual wellbeing and the frequency with which discussion should be conducted.

There are those who would claim to be Christian but find it inconvenient to fellowship at the House of the Lord, or to engage in Bible study. They readily take part in activities nominated by their peers which more often than not takes place at the same time as “church”.

The exhortation in Malachi 3:16-18 comes after the exposure of those who have been vocal and influential in the negative sense (Verses 13-15)

But more than that, it highlights the nature of folk who have learned the secret of “Reverence and Worshipful Fear”, “they loved the Lord”. They develop this by belonging to a “REVERENT AND WORSHIPFUL SPHERE”. See what Solomon had to say.

Proverbs:21                                        My son, [REVERENTLY] FEAR (the Lord and the king, and DO NOT ASSOCIATE with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary], (Think “SECULARISATION” of the church ….  comments mine)

The promise of Malachi 3:17 should be adequate motivation for us to engage in this pattern of behaviour. See the proclamation of the Lord as to His pride and possession of such a company, “My special possession, My peculiar treasure”.

But verse 18 defines the ability and activity to differentiate “PEER PRESSURE”, the recognition of those who would be of advantage and those who would influence us inappropriately.

Malachi 3:16-18                                (V 16) Then those who feared the Lord TALKED OFTEN ONE TO ANOTHER; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name. (V 17) And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I PUBLICLY RECOGNIZE and OPENLY DECLARE them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him. (V 18) THEN SHALL YOU RETURN AND DISCERN BETWEEN THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED, BETWEEN HIM WHO SERVES GOD AND HIM WHO DOES NOT SERVE HIM.

A distinct line of demarcation is drawn between those “PEERS” whose influence we should accommodate and those “PEERS” we should avoid. I know many will wish to cavil with this concept, citing scripture invoking charitable behaviour, and this I do not discount, but warn, that unless you are soaked in God’s Word, comply with the suggestions for daily performance of the preservatives of scripture, regularly engage in dialogue with those of a spiritually ambitious nature, then your attitudes can be influenced inappropriately by a lack of discernment as per Malachi 3:18.

Romans 12:2 goes on to establish a clearly defined apodosis when it says “do not be conformed” following with “so that”.

Romans 12:2                                      DO NOT BE CONFORMED (Another word is “DEFORMED” or improperly influenced   …   comments mine) to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], (Another way of saying “be careful of peer pressure”   …   comments mine)  but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], SO THAT YOU MAY PROVE [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight FOR YOU]. 

If we are not “discerning”, we are not able to refute those whose ideals conflict, to know unequivocally what is “good, acceptable and perfect will of God”, specifically as it applies individually, then we need to re-evaluate our “TRANSFORMATION”. “TRANSFORMATION” is an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another.” TRANSFORMING is different to TRANSITION, which is the act of changing. This is a state of flux, a state of uncertainty about what should be done, ever-changing, and often involves “double-mindedness”.

We live in a wonderful age, where technology enables our access to incalculable resources through mobile devices and Internet access, expanding and enlarging not only materials for education or entertainment but to a wide range of people, policies and disciplines. Should we take a few minutes to walk the main street of any town, ride a bus or train, visit a beach or a bun fight, we will readily observe that the mobile phone or tablet dominates the attention of the masses, accompanied by disassociation from face to face relations.

“PEER PRESSURE” in the sphere of technology demands that we have the latest device, consult with it not just regularly but consistently, be seen to be “IT” competent and up-to-date with the happenings of the world so that we do not appear ignorant.

This also is “PEER PRESSURE” which in time might prove to be the resource of choice for the agents of evil who already are trawling personal details to influence our purchasing choices in the most benign ways, to scamming our bank accounts and stealing our privacy. Recently the Marriot hotel chain lost control of 500 million individuals records when their system was hacked. So, the question now is, “what sort of peer pressure can be applied to those individuals?”

But more insidious is the “PEER PRESSURE” emerging from those who are not our “PEERS” but our “RESPONSIBILITY”. Parents today are seemingly helpless in the face of demand by their children for devices, with claim for unrestricted access to all and any content at all hours of the day until we are now faced with a generation who are “addicted” to the perverse influence of technology. Don’t think for a moment we are immune to this effect, the prevalence of email and SMS messaging dictates that communications must be answered forthwith or else there is something wrong. The requirement is that we leap to action to meet the expectations of “PEERS” in any corner of the globe with alacrity.

Oh, that the Word of God was as highly engaging as the mobile device, where any spare moment could be used to review the divine communications instead of trawling the internet and patronising the browser for our source of influence.

Proverbs 11:11                                  By the blessing of THE INFLUENCE OF THE UPRIGHT and God’s favor [because of them] the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

In the context of Proverbs 11 we can change the word “INFLUENCE” to that of “PEER PRESSURE”, and in this case, the peer pressure is for good, but notice it is the “WORDS” of the wicked, or inappropriate influence.

There are consequences of not fitting in, of embracing the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord, and it is not just having a thick skin, but a finely-honed sensitivity to what is demanded of us if we want to spend eternity with the Lord.

Matthew 5:10-11                             Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favour and salvation, REGARDLESS OF HIS OUTWARD CONDITIONS) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN!  Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous–with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favour and salvation, REGARDLESS OF YOUR OUTWARD CONDITIONS) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account. Be glad and supremely joyful, (same as the “WHOLLY JOYFUL” of James 1:2) for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you.

1 Peter 3:13-14                                 Now who is there to hurt you if you are zealous followers of that which is good?  But even in case you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed (happy, to be envied). DO NOT DREAD OR BE AFRAID OF THEIR THREATS, NOR BE DISTURBED [BY THEIR OPPOSITION]. 

 

 

PERSONALITY ROSS SMITH

PERSONALITY                                                                                        ROSS SMITH

ALL REFERENCES ARE FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED

The Amplified version of the Bible uses the expansion of the term FAITH as, “Faith in God [of your LEANING of your WHOLE PERSONALITY on Him in complete trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]” and this occurs 13 times.  (“LEANING”   An inclination to do something. KJV uses one word, “FAITH”

To be able to apply this principle of “leaning” I need to understand what my “PERSONALITY” comprises so that I can make the necessary modifications to ensure “complete trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness”.  And so, I began to explore “PERSONALITY” as I had only a concept conceived by popular usage of the term. My interest was sparked by The Apostles advice in Timothy 4:16 together with my ambition to reflect the majesty of the God we all purport to own as Lord.

Self-analysis of personality is always unreliable because it is biased. Different people see us differently, and often the environment skews the picture. It is of greater importance how God views us, and if our current “behaviour/attitude” is one of transition or intransigence, or of progression or regression, of willingness to change or of obstinate and intractability, this is the character that Father notes and responds accordingly.

Different Bible versions use different terms, (CEV) Be careful about the way you live, (WEBA) Pay attention to yourself, (ESV) Keep a close watch on yourself, (ERV) Be careful in your life, (KJV) Take heed unto thyself, but only Amplified applies it directly to “PERSONALITY”.

1 Timothy 4:16 (A)                           Look well to yourself [to your own PERSONALITY]

The use of the terms “you, yourself, your, thyself” makes this instruction intensely personal. Also, the words “own personality” is important, it makes us unique, just like a snowflake, so that we contribute and fit into Father’s radically distinctive design for His body. Ephesians 4:16 (Note the similarity of reference, 1 Timothy 4:16)  neatly packages the concept particularly in the statement, “when each part [with power ADAPTED to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to FULL MATURITY, building itself up in love.”

We all unquestioningly embrace God as our Father and luxuriate in the fact that we have been adopted. The “ADAPTED” part comes after the “ADOPTED” part, we first have to be adopted before we can be adapted, or develop a Christlike personality. It is the “ADAPTION” that has proved to be our downfall. Without it, we are prohibited from “working properly”, and consequently the functions of the church as intended are not being evidenced, and the LACK OF MATURITY which is confirmation of a “CHANGED PERSONALITY”.

“ADAPTED”         Changed in order to improve or make more fit for a particular purpose.   How relevant is that to our situation?

“Personality” then involves more than the effervescence of what we call “a bubbly personality”, or other descriptions such as reserved, sensitive or thick-skinned. These are more traits than personality.

This summation the Apostle makes in 1Timothy 4:7-16 is complementary to several recommendations he has made earlier and which appear to apply directly to our intrinsic persona and peculiarities, and which in summary requires our co-operation: –

Verse 7                 TRAIN YOURSELF             Proverbs 22:6 advises training of children, an impossible task if we are not unable to train ourselves.

Verse 13              DEVOTE YOURSELF        1 Corinthians 16:24  describes what devotion consists of, “love (that true love growing out of sincere devotion to God

Verse 15              THROW YOURSELF         This is not abandonment, like “under a bus”,  but almost the exact opposite and has a distinct purpose, “so that your progress may be evident to everybody.” “Progress” is “development” the very essence of our personality change.

Verse 16            SAVE YOURSELF      This sounds rather unusual, as we know we are “saved by grace, not of ourselves” (Ephesians 2:8) and it is nothing of ourselves, so this has another implication.

Ezekiel 33:9                                                        But if you warn the wicked to turn from his evil way and he does not turn from his evil way, he shall die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.

While it is impossible to “save yourself” from our sins and going to hell, we are exhorted to “save ourselves” from “this untoward generation.” If we now revert to 1 Timothy 4:16 where we set out from, Paul says to Timothy, it requires of us to look out for this spiritual well-being of others as well as ourselves.

1 Timothy 4:16                                  Look well to yourself [to your own PERSONALITY] and to [your] teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

So, identifying the precise meaning of “PERSONALITY” became a quest far greater than anticipated. The one definition I found most useful was “Personality refers to the habits, attitudes and other social traits that are characteristic of a given individual’s behaviour”. (Lundberg)

However, my musing introduced two other components that needed to be considered they were, NATURE and CHARACTER. The previous definition did not seem to include these traits, but they are an intrinsic part of our personality. It is proposed “NATURE IS BORN, CHARACTER IS BUILT, PERSONALITY IS DEVELOPED” (Khan)

DEVELOPING a personality is to make progress. “DEVELOP” is an ongoing process, present continuous tense, it involves change, growth, discomfort, experience, time etc. So, in spiritual terms, all three above characteristics are applicable to our progress in God and so eloquently summed up in,

Ephesians 4:13                                  [That it (the church, that is, you and I   …   comments mine) MIGHT DEVELOP  (See  Peter 1 for more on “DEVELOP) ] (a “PERSONALITY”   …   comments mine) until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really MATURE MANHOOD (the COMPLETENESS OF PERSONALITY which is NOTHING LESS than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.

The popular belief is that “Nature is formed by Nurture” and whilst this may have an essence of truth the Bible says, “Cain got his NATURE and motivation from the evil one” (1 John 3:12) and then in verse 10, “By this it is made clear who take their NATURE from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children:” (1 John 3:10). Those who take their “nature from God” are those who are willing to change and conscientiously work at it.

Ephesians, however, goes on to encourage us not to wallow in the well-worn and abused excuse, “I was born like this”, by encouraging us in chapter 4:22 to “strip off our former nature” the one we were born with, then in verse 24 to “put on the new nature”.

This is where the directions of 1 Timothy 4:7 – 16 apply, nine verses setting the parameters and in verse 16 promoting the result, a change of “PERSONALITY.”

This is the first stage in “CHARACTER BUILDING”, it is the appreciation, acceptance, and application of the “ethos” or character of God. Our new nature is a result of being “born again” and our character is built by experience, or endurance and Romans makes is quite clear.

Romans 5:4                                        And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of CHARACTER (approved faith (The leaning of the entire PERSONALITY on Him   …   comments mine) and tried integrity). And CHARACTER [of this sort] produces [the habit of] (or “Personality” of ..  comments mine) joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.

The tendency to lay blame on the way we are, using childhood experiences, environmental conditions, lack of opportunity, education or financial status et cetera et cetera is totally abolished by the statement in 2 Corinthians 5:17.

2 Corinthians 5:17                            Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] (I like the word “ADOPTED” in this context, a reflection of John 3:16-17   …   comments mine) in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); THE OLD [PREVIOUS MORAL AND SPIRITUAL CONDITION] HAS PASSED AWAY. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

Note each of the 4 verses (7,13,15,16) in Timothy 4 (see above) lays the responsibility directly on “YOURSELF”. As I pondered this chapter in Timothy, I was unable to get away from the thought that this required a drastic change of “PERSONALITY” and I was not sure if that was possible, and what would it require so that I would “LOOK WELL TO MYSELF”.

If we were able to “LOOK WELL TO OURSELVES” we would be far better equipped to meet the requirements of 1 Thessalonians 4:11, “to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you, “

ATTITUDE IS THEDIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ORDEAL AND AN ADVENTURE

Even though almost everyone frequently uses the term “personality,” there is little agreement on what it actually means. “Personality” is the most commonly used term to describe and account for individual differences and behavioural consistencies in human beings, or “traits”. Where the Bible uses the term “BENT” is referring to talent or ability, and these also can be developed. (Proverbs 22:6)

There is no guarantee that when we comply with the apostle’s recommendations that everybody will find our personality acceptable or attractive and enjoyable, in fact, just the opposite may be true, and Paul goes to some lengths to explain the final outcome. That is, all the training the devotion the throwing and indeed the saving ourselves involves “toil and strife and probably reproach”. (1 Timothy 4:10 With a view to this we toil and strive, [yes and] suffer reproach)

 Even if we revert to the experts for a definition of “PERSONALITY”, there is no broad agreement however I like the definition provided by H. Eysenck, “The more or less stable and enduring organisation of a person’s character, temperament, intellect, and physique that determines his unique adjustment to his environment.”

We should by now be fully aware that our environment is totally under the control of God himself and that nothing happens by chance and Proverbs 16:33 states “even the events that seem accidental are really ordered by Him”. So, according to the theory of Eysenck, if I have accepted that everything that takes place round about me is according to Father’s plans for me, then my “temperament, intellect, and physique” will be stable and enduring.

Which introduces the assurance of consistency as in: –

Colossians 1:17                                 And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (COHERE, ARE HELD TOGETHER).

“Consistency” is the attribute of not varying over time. Things that are consistent, “hold together.” They keep going, they show up on time and always perform as promised. This is one of the reasons consistency is such a common trait among the world’s most successful people because it reflects one of the most core attributes of God.

OUR PERSONALITY IS DETERMINED BY OUR THOUGHT PATTERNS AND FEELINGS, which regulate our behaviour. That’s why the Bible places such emphasis on controlling how we think. The Bible ties our thoughts and our spirit together to identify our “PERSONALITY”. Consider the following two scriptures.

1 Corinthians 2:11(A)                      For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s THOUGHTS except the man’s OWN SPIRIT within him?

Proverbs 20:27                                  The SPIRIT OF MAN [that factor in human PERSONALITY which proceeds immediately from God] is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.

The “SPIRIT OF MAN” is the same as that referred to in Genesis 2:7, “THE BREATH OR SPIRIT OF LIFE”, breathed by God into a lump of clay. It is spiritual consciousness, today known as conscience, the ability to distinguish between good and evil.

A “PERSONALITY” that proceeds immediately from God will exhibit “joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation”. (Romans 5:4) it then becomes the expression of our “PERSONALITY”. To be “wholly joyful” as James prescribes in James 1:2 is a result of DEVELOPMENT, the requirement of the previous verse in; –

Romans 5:3                                        Moreover [LET US ALSO BE FULL OF JOY NOW!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce (Or “DEVELOP”  ..  comments mine) patient and unswerving endurance.

 The word “NOW” is important, we cannot wait until it is all over, it is “NOW”, while it is all happening, and is not just acceptance, but excitement.

 We can improve our looks to a minor degree, but the Bible suggests we can improve our personality to a large degree. The most basic adjustment to our personality is derived from our thought patterns. The statement, “when we think like God thinks, we will feel like God feels, we will act like God acts” is never more relevant than when we put into practice “LOOK TO YOUR PERSONALITY”. The only way we can think in this dimension is to be flooded with God’s Word.

Ephesians 3:16                                  May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your INNERMOST BEING AND PERSONALITY].

There are so many “aids” to developing my “PERSONALITY” found in the Word of God and so it may be of benefit just to identify points that will come to our assistance as we “DEVELOP”.

So, having been “born again and afforded a NEW NATURE we can “become partakers of the DIVINE nature” (2 Peter 1:14) then a more difficult area of development,  “if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his ENTIRE nature”  (James 3:2)  and we have a great responsibility to “And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image,” (Ephesians 4:24).

Notice we have a NEW nature, born out of the DIVINE nature, and this enables us to curb our ENTIRE nature. If our entire nature is controlled by the divine nature, we will then have a “FULLY DEVELOPED PERSONALITY”.

With our NEW NATURE AND OUR REBUILT CHARACTER underpinning our DEVELOPED PERSONALITY then our thinking patterns will be in accordance with Fathers requirements.  It will show up in our behaviour, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7) it will show up in our tranquillity, “And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, (Philippians 4:7) it will show up in our love.

Is not this a goal we have cherished for a long time, to be able to have our minds fixed on God, to be free of all those intrusions and distractions of thought that seems to isolate us from God.

But we need to review the four steps of 1 Timothy 4,

Verse 7                 TRAIN YOURSELF

Verse 13               DEVOTE YOURSELF

Verse 15               THROW YOURSELF

Verse 16               SAVE YOURSELF

 

TRAIN YOURSELF                             Rather than attempt to expand this feature here, could I recommend you look at the study “SPIRITUAL GYMNASIUM” for a more comprehensive review, but be warned, it requires the expenditure of energy.

DEVOTE YOURSELF                         The salient point in verse 13 to “Devote yourself” revolves around our dedication to the study, sharing, preaching, and proper understanding of the Word of God. Gone are the familiar habits of a quick Bible verse every morning, a hasty prayer as we dash off to meet the demands of the day, this verse is requiring an intense and consistent “soaking” in God’s Word. It is well to remind ourselves of what Mark says,

Mark 4:24 (B)                                     THE MEASURE [OF THOUGHT AND STUDY] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you–and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.

“MEASURE” involves DEPTH, DURATION AND DEDICATION, and study without these characteristics will not provide an adequate return.

THROW YOURSELF          This verse is chock full of great advice. The first three things are “Practice and cultivate and meditate” (1 Timothy 4:15) and involve “PROGRESS”, or as we have found, “DEVELOPMENT” as involved in “PERSONALITY”.

PRACTICE produces         ABILITY

CULTIVATE produces      FRUIT

MEDITATE produces       MINISTRY

If we comply with these recommendations then we will be fulfilling what our initial text required in 1 Timothy 4:16, we will “LOOK WELL TO OUR OWN PERSONALITY”, our salvation, and the salvation of others, depends upon it.