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Godly Men
Many years ago as I ventured to a local store following a snow storm, I prepared for the worst possible conditions. My clothing items were carefully selected based upon warmth and the ability to shed moisture. I wore: boots, socks, gloves, pants, shirt, scarf, cap and coat. It was a mystery to me how anyone could recognize me in the store while wearing all of these items. However, I was easily identified by an individual I did not know at the time.
This reminds me of the letter Paul wrote to his friend Titus who was ministering on the island of Crete. "That the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, and in patience" (Titus 2:2). These are characteristics you should use to help identify Godly men as you serve the Church. The problem Titus encountered was simple, even by today's standards. False teachers had become members of the church and their teaching was not consistent with the Word of God.
Godly characteristics:
Be sober — is defined as not addicted to intoxicating drink. Showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice. We can also add that one should not feel he/she is better than others. Our walk is straight and upright. We are not perpetuators of gossip. Above all, "forget" the things which are behind us.
Be reverent — to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully. The clergy term, reverend also comes from the root word revere. Godly men live by morals others may seem to ignore.
Be temperate — marked by moderation, keeping or held within limits. A strong desire to keep life experiences in the proper perspective. Just as the human body has a constant temperature, we too must have consistency in our walk with the Lord! It's not always "What you say, but how you say it," which will have a tremendous impact on the listener.
Be sound in faith, in love, and in patience — Godly men need to be grounded in the faith. A faith which is solid and will not change based upon societal norms. Faith is tempered with love and patience to ensure the long term results will glorify God.
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Quiet Strength
In this culture driven by material success, Tony Dungy reminds us what matters in the game of life. At the top of his NFL success, he demonstrates the value of making memories as well as money, seeing family as more important than fame, and building up a storehouse of eternal wealth that will never fade away.
His mother told him, "Who you are is so much more important than what you do, and who you are really comes from your relationship with the Lord." Dungy is well-known as head coach of the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts, but as he emphasizes on the broadcast, his relationship with Jesus Christ is far more important.
Listen in as Dungy recounts how he came to Christ, how he shares his faith on and off the field, and how his faith helped sustain him following his son's suicide in 2005. This book and CD give a glimpse into the life of a true champion both on and off the field.
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Do you know anyone who has been identified as a Godly man or woman? Paul challenged Titus to look for those men who possessed these characteristics. They may be old or young; however, each one has the responsibility to live a life worthy in the sight of God.
Alex Person
Manager, African-
American Outreach
Focus on the Family
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