3) Identity and character

Identity and character ((click the arrow to listen)

In this series I am trying to unravel what exactly constitutes an ‘identity’. So, it seems necessary to look into character and also ministry. We are inclined to identify people by character qualities: he is loyal, she is kind, etc. It is also possible to identify people by their ministry:

Paul, an apostle – sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead (Galatians 1:1)

Paul used this form of identification in the greeting of some of his letters. However, he also used a form that highlights his reasons for exercising his ministry, such as in the letter we are looking at:

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:1)

Being a servant is of course the theme running through Philippians. A servant was judged by the quality of their service. This opinion was formed whatever their character qualities or their particular expertise.

character

It is my view that God creates us all as individuals. Our purpose is to discover His image in us and for that image to be conformed to the character of Jesus Himself. Our purpose also involves using the gifts God has given us to serve all humanity, but especially the Body of Christ as the church of Jesus. However, because sin defaces His image in us, we can be motivated by selfish agendas, one of which is to desire an independent, individualistic, sinful identity.

Philippians give us a glimpse into the importance of character in the Christian:

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. (Philippians 2:19-20)

There were hundreds of leaders with individual ministries, but for Paul it seems, that selfish agenda which I have just mentioned was too prominent in how they behaved. Timothy demonstrated a character quality which Paul treasured.

image

We could ask the question: “Was this character quality a special part of Timothy’s identity?” I would answer in the negative because it was a character quality which all Christ’s ministers ought to have. This is because all the qualities that make up spiritual character should be sought by all of us:

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29)

We all have the same goal: the image and character qualities of Jesus.

These qualities are revealed in Galatians:

the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

We have all received the same Holy Spirit and so are all able to demonstrate these character qualities. Do note that none of these are gifts; they are fruit: they are the natural consequence of a healthy life. Philippians also provides us with more insights into character:

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:7-9)

Character improvement comes from putting a guard around our hearts and minds by focusing them on good and wholesome things. Character improvement can also come about by imitating the people in whom we observe spiritual character.

ministry

The teaching about the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12 stresses that we are all individually important and each one of us has a part to play in ministry. Ministries are different but they can all be categorised:

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

The reason for gifts is to meet the needs of others. They are not given as a form of status.

However, some gifts are more important than others. Again, this does not signify that the person is more important; it indicates that those gifts carry more responsibility; and with responsibility comes greater accountability:

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1)

It is also the case that ministry will often accord with someone’s natural gifts or personality type. Not all people have the most suitable intellectual gifts or personality type for leadership for instance. Ministries like apostle, prophet or elder (bishop) require particular qualities as well as mature character.

So, whatever our ministry and however important it might be, we are all servants using our gifts. The reason that our ministry is not our identity is that these gifts are for now; for our time on earth only. There will be no need for apostles, teachers, healers and so on in the eternal kingdom. Our ministries will become redundant! However, we shall eternally be servants: serving God in worship and one another in ways yet to be revealed.

conclusion

1) Ministry is temporal;
2) Character is eternal; but should not especially distinguish us from anyone else because we all seek to conform to the image of Christ;
3) Servanthood is our identity – the servant-heart uses gifts and personality for the common good.