Character, Not Only Power

How are we to establish the Kingdom of God on earth? By reflecting the character and nature of Christ, not just His power. In some way, power is easy, you don’t have to change your character to walk in power. But to walk in holiness, you’ve got to emulate the character and image of Jesus. Those people who were rejected when Jesus said, “Depart from Me, I never knew you,” (Mat 7:21-23) had the power, since they had done all those things in His name. But they had no character.. they were workers of iniquity.

We’re here to represent Jesus and therefore should walk in the light. We’re children of the Light and there should be no darkness in us. “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1Jn 1:6,7). 

People cannot be free unless they come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). We’re not against people, we’re against lies, and want to help people find the truth. Jesus said, “If you continue (living) in My Word, you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (Jn 8:32). That’s why the Word can’t be compromised, because it compromises the truth.

We are all at different levels in our Christian walk, and we don’t want to raise condemnation amongst our brethren, but if someone wants to know more truth, we must give it to them, unashamedly. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Eph 4:29). 

Jesus compared us to the salt of the earth (Mat 5:13). Salt used to be considered highly valuable, so much so that people used to be paid in salt; that’s why the expression, “He’s not worth his salt.” Salt heals, it purifies, it seals and preserves. And of course, it enhances flavor. We’re supposed to bring flavor and meaning to every conversation, and light to shed truth on our every interaction.

0nce we know the truth, we’re accountable, and consequently, remaining silent cannot be an option. That’s why the rest of the verse says, “But if the salt has lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” (Mat 5:13). 

Salt is only good outside the shaker. We have the truth and must share it. Whenever anyone is in need of answers, the first place he/she should come to, should be to the believers. Our character should reflect on people around us and provoke them to “good works”. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Jn 8:12). “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness.” (Jn 12: 45). 

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Cor 6:14). 

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Eph 5: 7-10).