The Kingdom Endorsement – Are You A Qualified Endorser? – REPOST

Since the advent of the television, there has been the commercial. Commercials sometimes can prove to be annoyances rather than vehicles that connect the consumer to the best products. Today, a marriage between the entertainment and advertising industry has occurred where celebrities are becoming walking endorsements. However, unknown individuals exist who become the face and voice of a particular product or brand name.

Regardless of the company, they have an expectation that those who endorse their product will lead a life that is reflective of the advertiser. However, we have seen individuals throughout the years who lost their positions as product endorsers because of misdeeds in their personal lives.

What does this have to do with the Christian? It is simple. When we receive Christ, we instantly become spokespersons for God’s timeless product of salvation. Thus, God expects us to be representatives of this salvation even when we are not in front of the camera; that is, involved in religious activities or among other Christians.

As Christians, we have to abstain from worldly lusts and demonstrate love, integrity, and character in our lives. This is how we remain respected kingdom endorsers of the work of Christ.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:1-3 (KJV)

If we continually disobey the Word and choose our own ways and thoughts, we can be removed from service. If we are unfruitful in our Christian walk, Christ taught that one could be removed; that is, from effectual service in Him.

The Christian’s desire must be to please God, that He may use his/her life in any manner. In all that is said and done, let it represent God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Christian’s life has to be a solid Kingdom Endorser.

Hence, the question remains, Are you a qualified endorser of the gospel message? Does your lifestyle misrepresent the gospel message? Just know that you can make a difference as your life reflects the Christian faith.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful. If you would like more inspirational materials, this and more is included in my book, “Is there a Word from the Lord? (Book I),” which can be found at Kingdom Builders Publishing.

Defining the Christian Male – Seven Traits of the Christian Man

Photo by MSO Clipart

Every Christian male should ask himself this question: What makes me a man? More importantly, what makes me a godly man? If a man does not know who he is, he will not be all he can be in Christ Jesus. The Christian male has to understand that he can only define himself based upon biblical standards. This is because culture and Christianity have varying viewpoints about what makes  one a “man.” The Christian male, then, has to learn to define his manhood in terms of his relationship with Christ (righteousness and character), rather than by the culture (which focuses mostly on external traits -strength, money, stature, family, etc). Before going further the Christian male should understand:

*A man’s definition is not based upon external characteristics, but internal traits.*

*The Definition of a man is found in the image of God.*

*Culture cannot define a man.*

With this understanding, we want to offer seven primary qualities or traits of the Christian man.

1. He reflects Christ’s image. As Adam was made in God’s image, the Christian man has to be made in Christ’s image. He will reflect the characteristics of Christ. (Romans 8:29)

2. He is a man full of wisdom and integrity. The Christian man will not be a fool. He will not lack spiritual wisdom and insight. He will be full of faith. (Acts 6:3a)

3. His is an example of the believers in this world. The Christian man will set an example that others can follow. He will represent the Christian faith well to the world. (I Timothy 4:12b)

4. He leads his home in the worship of God. One of the qualifications for a bishop was to have his home in order. This same quality will be in the true Christian man. (I Timothy 3:4)

5. He follows the example that Christ set. Paul exhorted the Corinthians to follow his example as he followed Christ. This will be the same desire of the Christian man. He will only want others to emulate him as he follows Christ. (I Corinthians 11:1)

6. He is man of prayer. In the Old Testament, men offered the most powerful prayers. Contrary to popular belief, women are not more effective in prayer than men. Prayer is not woman’s work. Men have a responsibility to weep and mourn and intercede for others also. (Ephesians 6:18)

7. He is a student of the Word of God. The Christian man will have a desire to know God’s word. He will not shun corporate and personal study of the Word. He will also understand the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. (II Timothy 2:15)

Well, there you have it! Until next time, stand in the faith. Faithful is Christ who will be with us in the life and in the one that is to come. I have addressed this topic in detail in my book What is Man? – Defining the Christian Male” which can found at Kingdom Builders Publishing and Amazon.com.

Bring God Your Best: Serving Christ with Gladness

Have you ever met individuals who want maximum results with little effort? In schools, there are students who stay up late and study hard while others cram and procrastinate. Yet, those who procrastinate are upset when the others achieve high marks. You wonder why would they be upset with the others and not with themselves, seeing that they did not put in the necessary time, energy, and effort. Yet, this happens not only in education, but in all areas of life. They do not give their best but want the best. This same scenario is even found in the lives of Christians.

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Gen 4:5 (KJV)

The story of Cain and Abel is a clear representation of this phenomenon. Abel brought God his best and it was received. Conversely, Cain brought whatever he wanted and it was not received; Cain got upset. Today, examine your walk with Christ. Are you upset at other Christians who seem to be successful in their walk with God? It is probably because they are bringing God their best. But the “best” does not reside only in the quality of service, but in the character behind the service. Cain lacked both.

Remember, in the story of Cain and Abel, they each did bring an offering. So, our best is not revealed in performing religious activities and devotion, but in our attitude and approach. To bring God your best is to do it with the right motives and a sincere heart. Cain did not bring his best offering due to his attitude, while Abel’s proper attitude was revealed in him bringing the best.

The Christian, today, has to be honest. When you pray, read, serve, minister, and attend services, are you bringing God your best? Again, this is revealed in your attitude and approach. These are affected by your level of spiritual growth and development. Your character as a Christian will directly influence whether your are bringing God your best.

Do you do render service and faithful to God out of necessity and fear or from a pure heart with gladness. Gladness of heart comes from a place of mature character. David encouraged the worshippers to “serve the Lord with gladness.”

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Psalms 100:2 (KJV)

If not your service is not in gladness, ask for help and forgiveness because He will bless, heal, and restore. As you continue to develop your character, you can only “Bring God Your Best.”

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