What is the role of character in Christian ministry?

Isaiah 61:1-3 describes the ministry and the purpose of the anointing of Christ, (Luke 4:16-21) and of his followers.  (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)  We are anointed, as Christ was, to preach, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim deliverance! Our place in this ministry, in this work of deliverance begins with our own deliverance, which certainly includes every thought being brought into the servitude of our Precious Anointed Savior!  Thoughts and character surrendered to the authority of Christ equip and prepare us to be part of the work of the Deliverer by being a light and encouragement now, and in the future through the privilege of blessing all the families of the earth from heavenly glory!  2 Corinthians 5:20,  6:1-3; Revelation 1:6; Romans 8:17-21

“Giving no cause for offense in anything, in order that the ministry be not discredited, but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God…”  2 Corinthians 6:3-4  If our way of life does not match the values of our ministry and service to Christ, we can discredit that ministry.

 “Therefore if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.  Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:21-22 

Our privilege of ministry or service is not real or effective unless we are being molded into the image of Christ in our hearts.   We are prepared to be of use to our Master as we pursue faith, love and peace, and as we cleanse ourselves from our old habits.  

“You are the light of the world.”  Matthew 5:14  We are not to just shine the light of the Gospel, we are to reflect the light of the Gospel in our hearts.  

Remember the saying: “Preach the Word. Use words if you have to.” Our ministry is powerful in Christ when the Word of God that we desire to share is consistent with how we live our lives.

What does Proverbs 13:22 mean? "A good man leaves an inheritance for his childrens children, but a sinners wealth is stored up for the righteous."

This verse is so encouraging! It shows that a person who seeks and follows God’s ways does have a valuable inheritance to pass on to generations to come.  In contrast, the wealth of one who does not live according to principles of righteousness will not have something of value to pass on.  “Ill gotten gains do not profit…”  Proverbs 10:2; Job 27:13, 16-17.

The complete fulfillment of this verse is not now, but in a future time.  “Now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up, but they also test God and escape.”  Malachi 3:15  God’s principle that ‘we reap what we sow’ is still in place. Now, however, the full consequences of behaviors are delayed. Galatians 6:7-10  

In Christ’s Kingdom, unjust gain will be no more and all who seek righteousness will be blessed.   We have so many promises of a time when justice and accountability will be in place during the reign of Jesus and his Bride. Isaiah 11:9, “the word of the Lord will cover the earth like that waters cover the sea.”  “With righteousness He will judge the poor, and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth.”  Isaiah 11:4  It will be said in that day, “how the oppressor has ceased, and how fury has ended!  The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of rulers which used to strike the peoples in fury with unceasing strokes…The whole earth is at rest and is quiet; they break forth into shouts of joy.”  Isaiah 14:4-7

The harvest of consequences can also affect future generations for good or for evil in our lifetime as well as into eternity.

Think of someone righteous and Godly, who is no longer with us in this life.  Think of the rich legacy of example and love for God they have left their family and friends for generations to come.

Sometimes there are people in our lives who are like road signs. (See Jeremiah 31:21 NIV)  Their characters over years of testing have been set firmly in the concrete foundation of faith. The message that they have lived is a message of true hope, true direction and true instruction. Their example speaks to us now, and if they were part of the Bride of Christ, their triumph in Christ will speak throughout all generations.”

“So we Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture will give thanks to Thee forever; to all generations we will tell of Thy praise.”  Psalm 79:13

O LORD, work in our lives so that we can leave a beautiful legacy for generations to come.