"…God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27
There are many traits that define us - like our: gender; ethnicity; skin color and physical features. We control none of these - each were selected by God for His unique reasons (sometimes known only to Him) and purpose. There are other characteristics that define us. Things like our: past; perspective; integrity; attitude; skills & occupation. Most of these we select. We have little choice over 'what' we are, but we can choose 'who' we will be. The ancients of the Bible were known for their faith, because they…
KEPT THE FAITH…
"…Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded." Hebrews 10:35
The writer of Hebrews warns us - 'Do not throw away', which literally means to lay your faith down, cast it off or walk away from it. We usually throw away what is garbage, of no value to us anymore, or if it has run its course. The writer of Hebrews also instructed the church to 'stay with it', in spite of their situations. The reason for this was the church had been going through some fierce resistance and persecution. This was similar to James 1:12, 'Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life…' Sticking to it, persevering or standing firm gives confidence to hold on in adversity. In doing so there is a rich reward.
…BY BEING A KEEPER.
“…My righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.' But we do not belong to those who shrink back…, but to those who have faith and are saved." Hebrews 10:38-39
A 'keeper' is an idiom of someone, well, someone you want to keep around. So to be that 'keeper', I must be one who is: a keeper of my word; a keeper of my tongue; a keeper of my emotions; a keeper of my temper; a keeper of my thoughts; a keeper of my 'brother' (unlike Cain); and a keeper of the faith (God's Word). This last one helps me be a keeper of the others. Paul wrote in I Timothy 6:20, 'Guard what has been entrusted to your care…' Being a keeper, as a person, is to guard what's most important to and in your life. You 'keep' it safe because of its great value.
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