Tag: traits of a biblical man

Traits of a Biblical Man: The Enduring Spirit 

Have you ever felt like giving up? I know I have. Recently, at work, I was having a tough time. It felt like I wasn’t making any progress in my career. Day-to-day tasks felt dull and unchallenging, and I was hungry for bigger and better things. The temptation to throw in the towel was strong. But, I pressed on, emphasised excellence in my work, and eventually, I got a breakthrough with a promotion.

Biblical perseverance isn’t just stubbornness, but a steadfast commitment rooted in faith and trust in God, even amidst trials. It’s crucial for spiritual growth, fulfilling God’s calling, and enduring hardship for Christ’s sake. Biblical men are called to be resilient, and this post will explore this vital trait, drawing inspiration from key figures, so we can apply these lessons to our walk with Christ.

Cartoon-style elderly man with a long white beard and bushy eyebrows, wearing a blue robe and sandals, standing outdoors in a mountainous landscape. He is smiling broadly and winking, while holding a massive barbell with large weights above his head in a triumphant pose. The sky is bright blue with fluffy clouds, and green trees and rocky mountains surround him, giving the scene a lively and energetic atmosphere.

The Apostle Paul: Pressing On Towards the Goal

Consider the life of the Apostle Paul. After his dramatic conversion, he embarked on immense missionary journeys, facing a vast array of suffering. Shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, and constant opposition marked his path. Yet, he never wavered.

Philippians 3:14 encapsulates his spirit: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” “Pressing on” speaks of effort, determination, and forward momentum despite obstacles. Paul’s “goal” was his spiritual life and calling, and his “prize” was the reward of faithfulness.

He faced countless trials, but his focus remained fixed. He understood that true biblical perseverance is about keeping one’s eyes on the ultimate prize – Christ – regardless of earthly circumstances. Paul’s life demonstrates this powerfully.

Caleb: Unwavering Faith and Steadfastness

Caleb, one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan, offers another compelling example. Unlike the other ten, who were fearful, Caleb remained confident in God’s promise.

Numbers 13 and 14 recount how the spies assessed the land and the people’s subsequent fear and rebellion. Caleb, however, trusted God, even when facing overwhelming odds and popular dissent.

His perseverance led to him inheriting the land promised to him (Joshua 14:6-15), even forty-five years later. At 85, he was still strong and zealous, a testament to a life lived with unwavering faith. Caleb’s story illustrates that perseverance is not just about enduring hardship, but also about holding fast to God’s promises and acting on faith, even when others falter.

Joseph: A Picture of Enduring Hope

Joseph’s life is a powerful picture of enduring hope. From being the favoured son to being betrayed by his brothers, his journey was filled with adversity.

He faced enslavement in Egypt, false accusations, and imprisonment. Even in prison, he waited patiently, hoping the cupbearer would remember him, trusting God’s plan even when circumstances seemed bleak.

Joseph maintained integrity in Potiphar’s house. He exercised patience and hope during prolonged suffering. Ultimately, his reconciliation with his brothers and his understanding of God’s sovereign hand (Genesis 50:20) reveal the depth of his perseverance. Joseph’s life shows that perseverance is about maintaining faith and hope through extended periods of injustice and suffering, knowing that God is working all things for good.

Application: Cultivating a Resilient Spirit

How can we cultivate this resilient spirit in our own lives?

  • Rooted in God’s Word: Daily scripture reading and meditation are foundational. The Bible provides divine wisdom, comfort, and reminders of God’s unchanging character and promises. When we immerse ourselves in His Word, we strengthen our faith and build a robust spiritual foundation that can withstand the storms of life. It’s where we find the strength to keep going when our own resources are depleted.
  • Prayer: Seeking God’s strength and guidance in challenging times is indispensable. Prayer is our direct line to the Almighty, allowing us to articulate our struggles, express our doubts, and lay our burdens before Him. It’s through prayer that we receive peace that surpasses understanding, divine intervention, and renewed spiritual energy to face another day. It reminds us that we are not alone in our battles.
  • Community: Leaning on brothers in Christ for support and encouragement is vital. We are not designed to walk this path in isolation. A strong Christian community offers accountability, practical help, and empathetic understanding. Beyond general fellowship, we can cultivate what some call a “foxhole” – a tight-knit group of men you can call on any time, day or night, to stand with you in a time of trial. This kind of deep, trusted brotherhood is essential. Be a part of a group of men like that; actively seek out and build such a group. More importantly, be the kind of man who will consistently be there for his brothers in their time of need. This level of committed support prevents the isolation that can erode our resolve to persevere.
  • Focus on the Long-Term: Shifting our perspective from immediate gratification to eternal rewards is crucial for endurance. The temporary discomforts and trials of this life become bearable when viewed against the backdrop of eternity. Remembering the ultimate prize – an eternal dwelling with Christ – provides profound motivation to press on, knowing that our present sufferings are incomparable to the glory that awaits us.
  • Embrace Discomfort: Viewing trials as opportunities for growth and spiritual refinement changes our entire outlook. Instead of seeing difficulties as setbacks, we can embrace them as tools in God’s hand to shape our character, deepen our faith, and increase our reliance on Him. Just as gold is refined by fire, our perseverance is forged in the crucible of adversity, making us stronger and more Christ-like.
  • Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Remembering that God has a plan even when we don’t understand it brings profound peace. When we trust that God is in control, even amidst chaos and uncertainty, we are freed from the burden of needing to orchestrate every outcome ourselves. This confidence in His overarching purpose allows us to surrender our anxieties and continue forward with assurance, knowing that He is working all things for our good and His glory.

Biblical perseverance equips men to face life’s battles with resilience, not giving up on their faith, families, or callings. The Christian man is a “keeps-on-keeping-on” man.

None of the men we have considered today had it easy. They endured long periods of trial, and while we all hope and long for a victorious ending, not all get that in this life. While we have no doubt that God will make everything right in the end, we also remember examples of men who remained faithful and yet were martyred or forgotten. This is hard to take sometimes, but for biblical men, our goal is not our own fame or fortune but the glory of God. He must increase, and we must decrease. 

Conclusion

Perseverance is vital for biblical men. The examples of Paul, Caleb, and Joseph demonstrate its power. Embrace perseverance as a core trait of your Christian walk, trusting that God will empower you to “press on” and “keep on keeping on” for His glory. Reflect on areas in your life where you need to cultivate greater perseverance.

Traits of a Biblical Man: Decision-making. The Weight of the Crown 

A businessman sitting at a wooden desk with a slingshot and blueprint plans on them. He sat in an office with large windows behind, showing a procession of animals 

In a world often defined by ambiguity and a reluctance to commit, the call for decisive leadership rings louder than ever. For Christian men, this call is not merely a secular ideal but a biblical mandate, woven into the very fabric of God’s design for humanity. From the dawn of creation to the restoration of a city, the Bible provides powerful examples of men who embraced their leadership roles by making pivotal decisions.

Let’s explore three distinct moments of decision-making from biblical narratives: Adam in Eden, David facing Goliath, and Nehemiah approaching the king. Through their choices, we uncover timeless principles for modern biblical leadership.

Adam: The Steward’s First Decree (Genesis 2:19-20)

Our journey begins in the pristine Garden of Eden, where God entrusts Adam with dominion over creation. Before the fall, in a moment of pure stewardship, God brings all the animals to Adam “to see what he would name them.” This seemingly simple act is profound. It wasn’t God who named the animals; it was Adam’s responsibility and privilege.

The Decision: Adam decided on the names for every living creature. This was not a passive observation but an active engagement with his delegated authority. Each name he uttered was a declaration of his understanding and relationship with creation, a tangible exercise of his leadership over the animal kingdom.

Role in Leadership/Decision-Making: Adam’s decision-making here highlights the essence of responsible stewardship. As the first man, he was given dominion and immediately put that authority into practice. His decision to name the animals demonstrates active participation in God’s creative order, an immediate embrace of his assigned role. For us, this speaks to the importance of taking ownership and making informed decisions in our spheres of influence, whether that’s our home, our workplace, or our community.

David: The Courage to Stand (1 Samuel 17:32-37)

Thousands of years later, on a battlefield in the Valley of Elah, fear gripped the armies of Israel. The giant Philistine, Goliath, hurled insults and challenges, yet no Israelite warrior dared to face him. It was a moment of national paralysis, until a young shepherd boy arrived with provisions.

The Decision: When David heard Goliath’s blasphemies and witnessed the fear of his countrymen, he was moved with righteous indignation. His explicit decision was to step forward and offer to fight Goliath himself. Addressing King Saul, David declared, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” He didn’t just feel an urge; he articulated a clear, courageous choice to confront the seemingly insurmountable foe, grounded in his past experiences with God’s deliverance from lions and bears.

Role in Leadership/Decision-Making: David’s decision exemplifies courageous conviction. In a situation where experienced warriors were paralyzed by fear, a young man, relying on God’s power, chose to act. His leadership was not about physical stature or military rank, but about a deep-seated faith that empowered him to make a radical decision. This teaches us that true leadership often involves making unpopular or risky decisions when the status quo is failing. It demands faith to step into uncomfortable situations, trusting that God will empower us to overcome challenges that seem overwhelming.

Nehemiah: The Bold Request (Nehemiah 2:1-8)

Centuries after the initial glory of Israel, Jerusalem lay in ruins, its walls broken down, its people in disgrace. Nehemiah, a Jewish exile serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Persia, was burdened by this news. After a period of prayer and fasting, he seized a divinely appointed moment.

The Decision: When King Artaxerxes noticed Nehemiah’s sadness and asked him why, Nehemiah made the crucial decision to reveal his distress and articulate his bold request to be sent to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. This was a high-stakes moment; approaching a powerful king with such a personal petition carried significant risk. Nehemiah prayed briefly, then explicitly stated his desire: “If it pleases the king… send me to Judah, to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I can rebuild it.” He didn’t just express sorrow; he presented a solution and requested the authority and resources to execute it.

Role in Leadership/Decision-Making: Nehemiah’s decision highlights strategic boldness and proactive problem-solving. He didn’t wait for someone else to take action. He leveraged his position, prepared his request, and chose the opportune moment to present it. His decision was not impulsive but born from prayer, planning, and a deep sense of purpose. This shows us that biblical decision-making often involves discerning the right timing, articulating a clear vision, and humbly yet confidently presenting a solution to those in authority, all while relying on God’s favor.

Becoming Biblical Decision-Makers in Modern Life

These biblical narratives offer more than just historical accounts; they are blueprints for godly leadership in our own lives. As Christian men, how can we emulate Adam, David, and Nehemiah in our daily decision-making?

  1. Embrace Stewardship and Initiative: Like Adam, recognize the spheres of influence God has entrusted to you – your family, your work, your church. Don’t wait for others to define your role. Proactively take ownership, make informed decisions within your delegated authority, and seek to bring order and purpose to your environment.
  2. Cultivate Courageous Conviction: Like David, be prepared to stand firm in your convictions, especially when fear or popular opinion dictates otherwise. This means discerning God’s will and acting on it, even when it feels risky or unpopular. It requires faith to confront challenges that seem insurmountable, trusting in God’s power to work through you.
  3. Develop Strategic Boldness: Like Nehemiah, approach challenges with prayerful preparation and strategic thinking. Don’t shy away from making bold requests or taking on daunting tasks if you believe it aligns with God’s purpose. Learn to discern opportune moments, articulate your vision clearly, and humbly yet confidently seek the resources and support needed to bring about positive change.

The weight of the crown, the responsibility of leadership, is not meant to crush us, but to empower us to reflect God’s own order and purpose in the world. By consciously choosing to be decisive, faithful, and proactive in our decision-making, we can honor God and lead effectively, becoming the biblical men our families, churches, and communities desperately need.