This past week I’ve been working on a labor of love. My wife, Lynn, is reaching a significant birthday milestone, so I’ve decided to throw her a party. One game I came up with is “Lynn in a word.” The idea is for party attendees to think of a word that describes Lynn best and write it down on a note card. On the other side of the card, they’ll write their name. At the party, Lynn will draw the cards from a basket and then the individuals whose cards are selected will take a few moments to tell a Lynn anecdote and why they selected the word they did.
From Numbers 12, we see a word used to describe Moses: humble (Numbers 12:3). His brother and sister, Aaron and Miriam, had felt that Moses was wrong in marrying “a Cushite woman” (Numbers 12:1). (You gotta love siblings—always picking on their brothers or sisters.) But God shut down their criticism (Numbers 12:8) as He affirmed that Moses was humble (by allowing Numbers 12:3 to be written down), and by also saying, “He is the one I trust” (Numbers 12:7). Wow. Imagine if God used the word trust as the best label for you!
Think of other people in the Bible. What word would you use to define Abraham? Jacob? Deborah? Ruth? David? Jeremiah? Mary? Peter?
What word would God use to describe you?
Our character is revealed throughout our lives—good times, bad times, and everything in-between. During Jesus’ final hours before His death, He said to His disciples, “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). He said this after humbly washing their feet, living out humility.
What could be the best word God might use to describe you? Humble would be nice. But Christlike would be best!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 25:19-34
More:
Read John 13:34-35 and note a key character quality that Jesus lifted up for us.
Next:
How has your character been revealed this week? What will it take for you to become more Christlike?
Gene on January 16, 2013 at 7:15 am
Thinking about the one word God would use to describe me is a very introspective question. I know I’m precious in his sight and I’m his child. He knows I’m like a sheep and prone to wonder. Knowing His forgiveness and being Christlike by showing grace and mercy to others what I try to do. Thanks for the thoughts, Tom.
tom felten on January 16, 2013 at 8:57 am
Gene, you have great words listed in your post. Precious, child, sheep—yes, these are all things revealed in God’s Word that show His loving relationship with us. It’s evident that you have experienced the fullness of His grace, and it’s beautiful to see that you’re striving to pour it out on others.
cali4ange on January 16, 2013 at 11:28 am
God does a great job in reminding us how special and wonderful we are, that we do have a purpose. We sometimes put too much criticism in ourselves and others, instead we should focus on the positive and what we are capable of doing and showing to ourselves, to others, and to God.
Thank you for sharing, I bet your wife had a great time, and what a great memorable birthday to have with friends who took the time to show how much they care for her.
tom felten on January 16, 2013 at 1:53 pm
cali4ange, yep, the b-day celebration went well! And, yes, it’s good to remember that God is continually working in us. As Paul wrote, “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6).
roxanne robbins on January 16, 2013 at 11:28 am
Thanks for this post, Tom.
I wonder how my life and heart might change if I considered what word the Lord would use to describe my actions, attitude and faith at the end of each day. LIkely, I’d experience encouragement and correction that would lead to an even stronger tomorrow.
tom felten on January 16, 2013 at 1:55 pm
Roxanne, isn’t it great to know that God’s grace allows us to receive Jesus as we are, and then it continues to work in us to make us more like Him? What a gift!
daisymarygoldr on January 16, 2013 at 4:03 pm
What one word would you use to describe God? Love. “Christlike” is to be the spitting image of God our Heavenly Father. Christ expresses that very character of God and so should we. The essence of Christian love is humility 🙂
To your wife Lynn— Happy Birthday!