The Character of God

We are very close to our First Annual Fall Retreat, and the topic of study is "The Character of God".

This has to be the greatest topic to learn about, especially for young and new Christians. I mean who wouldn't want to know more about God the person.

But is it me or does it also seem to be a topic we can not even hope to completely understand it all.

The people closest to me all know I am rather crazy and do stupid stuff all the time. They know I like tattoos and will show the two I have before they can ask. They also know that if I had the money, I'd have about three or four more. They know I tend to get ticked off about things quick and that I am working on keeping my mouth shut till I've had a chance to think about what it is that just ticked me off. They know I love my dogs and hate cats. They know I've never wanted kids of my own, but working with kids a few hours a week is cool. They know I don't focus on marriage or dating and that I am fine with being alone. They know I can't stand church politics and "Christians" attacking Christians is above all else the one thing I can't stand.

But what would they say about my character?

Would the people that know me best describe my character as someone who has a hunger to know the character of God? Would they even describe me as a Christian at all?

I hope and pray that as the lessons for the retreat are written, that the parents of our youth and children, that the teachers of our Sunday school classes, can take this journey with me. I hope they can not only see what the lessons will be, but will also take the time to open their minds and hearts and allow God to share something with them as well.

This is a church growing and thus, experiencing some major growing pains. We have to be not only tolerant of each other, but encouraging for what the other person is doing to try and spread the message of Christ.

One thing was said at the Sunday school convention at Norman Park that really has stuck with me. He said, "The backdrop to the Holy Gospel is a group of people that LOVED one another."

This may be the one characteristic of God that is mentioned or talked about the most in the Bible: and therefore, maybe considered the most important. The Fruit of the Spirt in Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." * * Note * * Love is first on the list.

I challenge everyone that reads this, especially the members of my church, to take a hard look at themselves, and ask "do I love people?"

The truth, I don't love people as much as I should. If I did, I wouldn't get mad so quick, I'd evangelize more, I'd be a brighter shining light pointing the lost to the road of forgiveness and hope.

Lets all be in prayer that God will heal us, and that He will raise us up to truly loving each other, not the fake stuff we sometimes throw out there.

Peace out my homies.