Godly Character

Mark 6:14-29

I believe the highest aspiration of man should be to have a Godly character, and to live a life pleasing to God.

John the Baptist is one of the finest examples of this kind of life. You don’t have to take my word for it, you can listen to what Jesus said about him: “Assuredly I say to you, among those born of women, there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist…” (Matt 11:11)

That is high praise coming from the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

It makes me wonder what Jesus may have to say about my life?

I know most, if not all of us concern ourselves greatly with what others think about us. We go to great lengths to impress people, and do what we can, (in most instances,) to make people like us.

We listen closely when we have the opportunity to overhear what others may be saying about us. Is it good? Is it bad? (If it’s good – we feel great about ourselves. If bad – we just had our day ruined.)

Many times, and probably most, we change our speech patterns around certain individuals because we know their likes and dislikes, and we do not want to cause offense so we tailor what we say to match what we imagine to be their pattern of thinking.

What made John the Baptist great was that he was not like this. Not at all. He was a man who spoke the needful truth regardless of the circumstances. Yes, John was a prophet, but he was also a very loving man. How do we know he was loving?

Because he ALWAYS spoke the truth in love. Even to powerful politicians who possessed the power to put him to death. But, lean in closer and see that Herod heard him “gladly.” Herod was learning greatly from the conviction John brought his life. He was one of MANY who did. Well done, good and faithful servant.

-Pastor Bill