Qualities that make a difference
Rain for 40 days and 40 nights. The ark. The flood. The earth destroyed. Most know the story, but behind the drama is a man deeply committed to God.
Among a sea of people that were “corrupt before God,” the Bible says in Genesis 6:9 that “Noah walked with God.” Furthermore, in Genesis 7:1, God says, “I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation.” Noah is selected to build and man the vessel that keeps humanity going.
Noah walked with God. This exact phrase is used to describe Enoch, as I wrote about yesterday. The Bible says that Enoch walked with God. We aren’t told exactly what walking with God means, but from Noah’s life we can pick up a few qualities.
First, Noah was obedient. Very simply, God called Noah for a job, and he trusted and fulfilled his mission. It took many years, as in 20+, to build the ark. Don’t you know that he faced ridicule and doubt, but, he completed the complex task.
In order to have this obedience, we see a man that trusted God. The Bible shows no evidence of wavering, but complete trust. This trust drove Noah’s commitment. His faith was on display for all to see.
Lastly, Noah was a humble man before God. Certainly the way he tackled the job of building the ark is as a humble servant, but, notice the first thing that Noah did as he left the ark after the flood. He built an altar to the Lord. Noah recognized the favor that was given to him. He recognized how he had been blessed, and he praised God. Noah lived knowing that it wasn’t anything remarkable that he had done, but it was God who was at work. Noah lived to give God glory.
Three qualities, obedience, trust, and humility, of a man that walked with God, and three qualities for believers of God to emulate today. What if you tackled your life this year with obedience, trust, and humility in God? What if you tackled your job, recognizing it as a gift from God, with obedience, trust, and humility? Marriage? Parenting? Friendship?
If you emulate the qualities found in Noah today, no doubt, your life will be different and others will be impacted. Battle indifference this year, as every conversation, every action impacts others.
Impact others. Live generously.
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