“When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.” – Billy Graham.
As a child, I remember a story about a peasant who took the initiative to move a boulder blocking the road despite being burdened with his own tasks. The king rewarded his effort with a bag of gold to recognize his selflessness and responsibility. I know that story was meant to inspire us kids to take initiative and do good deeds, but there is a more profound spiritual truth here. Scripture tells us that God is looking for people of strong character (Ezekiel 22:30) who live with integrity and righteousness, rewarding them in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:10).
God‘s Perspective on Inner Qualities
God values the heart and inner character over outward appearances. In the life of David, when the prophet Samuel was sent to anoint a new king, he initially assumed that Jesse’s eldest son, Eliab, was God’s chosen because of his impressive appearance. However, God had a different perspective: “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV).
It is this heartfelt love and trust in God that set David apart. Look at his psalms; you will see they are filled with worship and adoration for God, cries during difficult times, and a deep longing to please God. These are the things God desires from us: a genuine relationship with Him where we seek to know Him, learn from Him, enjoy Him, and please Him deeply (John 15:5). This relationship prioritizes spiritual growth over worldly achievements.
Trusting God‘s Will in Daily Life
Trusting and seeking God’s will is crucial in our lives. Samuel’s story of waiting for God’s choice in selecting a new king for Israel reminds us of this. Instead of choosing from the obvious options, Samuel rejected these candidates and waited for God’s direction, which ultimately led to David’s anointing (1 Samuel 16:7). From my experiences, I have learned that as followers of Christ, we must be patient and willing to listen for God’s direction in our lives, even when it challenges human logic. Hebrews reminds us that faith acts as a bridge over uncertainties, providing “…assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV).
Humility and Servant Attitude
Faithful followers of Christ are marked by humility and a commitment to serve others. “Jesus showed another way to lead. He let them take their best shot at stopping him by allowing them to crucify Him. The power to put Jesus to death was man’s ultimate power. But then Jesus showed God’s way is superior to the power of men when he defeated death and rose from the grave.” (Bible Study Tools).
David also demonstrated humility and a servant’s heart. Despite his power, he remained humble and dedicated to serving God and His people, contrasting Saul’s pride and self-reliance (1 Samuel 16:7). As the body of Christ, we are called to emulate this humility through serving others selflessly and putting their needs above our own. We know the Golden Rule: “treat others as you want to be treated.” As followers of Christ, we are to live by this principle (Matthew 7:12-13, NIV).
Prayer and Discernment in Everyday Decisions
Prayer and discernment are vital in all aspects of a believer’s life. The early church’s decision to replace Judas highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance. Despite their constant prayer, human reasoning initially led them to select Matthias. However, God’s actual choice was Paul, who at that time was persecuting Christians. Persistent prayer and seeking His wisdom are essential to identify and affirm God’s chosen path (Acts 1:24-26).
Being a faithful follower of Christ means cultivating inner qualities, trusting God’s will, embracing humility, and dedicating oneself to prayer and discernment. We reflect His love and grace by seeking God’s guidance and aligning our hearts with His purposes. “Trusting God means trying to keep a posture of ‘open hands, eyes up’ and a curiosity that has us constantly wondering aloud, ‘What are you up to, God? We can’t wait to see.'” (Bible.org).
Faithful followers aren’t afraid to mention Jesus, pray in public, or stand for truth, even when unpopular (Romans 1:16). We become a faithful follower when we trust God, humbly submit to Him, consistently pray, and seeking God’s will. Now, here is where the rubber meets the road. Are you ready to grow in your faith, and if so, what steps do you need to take to make this happen?
