Character or Reputation?

 

Character or Reputation?

1 Sam. 16:1-13

 

What about the character versus reputation debate? Some don’t even think this is really a consideration because ‘a good reputation’ is all that matters to them. God, however, is looking for a person with genuine character!

You may remember how King Saul had disobeyed God and was rejected as the king of Israel, leaving the prophet Samuel in incredibly deep mourning. God essentially told Samuel to stop grieving for King Saul and the past, pick up his horn of oil, and prepare for the future—a new king. Because anointing a new king could be viewed as ‘treason’ by Saul, God instructed Samuel to disguise his mission as a sacrificial offering in Bethlehem, where Jesse lived.

Consider what God says in 1 Samuel 16,

And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. ² And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. ³ And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.

⁴ And Samuel did that which the Lord spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? ⁵ And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the Lord: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.

⁶ And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him. ⁷ But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

⁸ Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. ⁹ Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. ¹⁰ Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these.

¹¹ And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. ¹² And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. ¹³ Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

God clearly values inner character and faith over mere outer appearance, choosing the most unanticipated person for leadership. David’s time as a shepherd was not wasted nor incidental. The solitude, danger, and reliance on God he experienced while protecting his flock served as spiritual preparation for his future role as Israel’s shepherd-king.

While it is true that we tend to make superficial judgments based on our personal heuristics and ‘judge a book by it’s cover’, God looks much deeper to recognize good character.  We must force our judgment to peer deeper and ask questions that expose the correct kind of character. 

What Does God Prioritize?

1.      Godly character is identified by internal, holy attributes rather than superficial external appearances.

·       Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. God prizes virtues like authenticity, honesty, purity, and excellence. He wants these inner qualities for His children.

·       1 Samuel 16:7, But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. God judges based on the heart—real inner qualities, not shallow outward appearance like we tend to do. “Samuel was about to make the mistake of evaluating the men by their physical gifts (see 10:24) when God reminded him that the heart was the important thing.”^[1]

·       Romans 5:3-4, And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Our Lord uses trials to reveal and develop character traits like patience and hope. Certainly, this requires time, maturation, discipline, and honest self-reflection.

·       Proverbs 10:9, He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known. Character is “walking uprightly”—living with genuine integrity.

§  “Walketh uprightly walketh surely”: An honest person who lives with moral integrity walks with confidence and peace of mind because they have nothing to hide.

§  “Perverteth his ways shall be known”: The deceiver or someone who takes dishonest, "crooked" paths will eventually be found out and exposed. 

2.   God roundly views good Character as more important than mere reputation in 1 Samuel 16:7.

·       1 Sam. 16:7, But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

·       Key meaning is that people naturally judge others by superficial traits—looks, wealth, social status, and physical strength. This limited perspective is flawed and often deceptive.

·       But by examining the heart God sees a person's true inner reality. The “heart” represents the core of one's inner character, motivations, thoughts, and spiritual devotion. With the correct perspective these qualities can be discerned.

·       When we apply this standard, we overcome preconceptions and prejudice! We are challenged to value people based on their integrity, kindness, and faithfulness to God, rather than judging them on their exterior or societal stereotypes.

·       “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1Sam. 16:7). The core verse of this passage tell us when Samuel lined up Jesse’s tall, strong, good looking, and capable sons, God rejected them one by one. Human judgment focuses on physical traits or status, but God judges based on spiritual integrity, humility, and devotion.

·       A little self-reflection would prove extremely helpful. God reminds us that we cannot hide our true motives from Him. True spiritual growth focuses on cultivating a righteous heart rather than just acting “good” for others to see.

In closing, reputation has displaced real godly character. This is true professionally, politically, religiously, socially, publicly (TV, commercials, advertisements, magazines) and even privately. Maintaining the correct reputation is everything while possessing real character only matters to a few who respect God above all else. We have allowed certain skills and abilities to supersede actual qualities; what a person can do is prioritized while who a person is may be thoughtlessly discarded. The more we reject Bible-bases qualities the more we seem to embrace self-centered and materialistic traits without even realizing we are doing it. 

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^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1993), 1 Sa 16:1–13.

Secret Service of Giving

“Secret Service of Giving”

CHRIST'S SECRETS TO A REWARDING LIFE SERIES

MATTHEW 6:1-4

THEME: The primary motivation for life and service is to authentically please our Lord. This is what sustains a genuinely righteous lifestyle…seeking to please Christ with our giving.

RELEVANCE: one of the three great acts of holiness practiced by the Jews in Jesus’ time was almsgiving. Clearly Jesus wants our devotion to Him in a similar practice, but He wants the attitudes of our hearts to be right. Hating hypocrisy in its multiple forms, Jesus prioritize authenticity.

INTRODUCTION: Sincerity is transparent honesty, genuine purity, manifested clarity, and unsullied innocence. It does not fear thorough examination of motives and intentions, because there is nothing to hide. To ensure sincerity and integrity in our daily life, we must examine our motives regarding worship, material things, and our connections.   

1. The true righteousness of the kingdom must be applied in the everyday activities of life. Jesus related this principle to our relationships to God in worship (Matt. 6:1–18), our material things (Matt. 6:19–34), and to other people (Matt. 7:1–20).

2. Jesus also warned about the danger of hypocrisy (Matt. 6:2, 5, 16), the sin of using religion to cover up sin. A hypocrite is not a person who falls short of his high ideals, or who occasionally sins, because all of us experience these failures. A hypocrite deliberately uses religion to cover up his sins and promote his own gains. They truly are “actors who wear a mask.” Many people today are just ‘playing the role,’ they aren’t what they appear to be.

3. The ‘uprightness’ of the Pharisees was insincerity and dishonesty. They used religion for the applause of men, not for the pleasure of God. But true righteousness must come from within. We should test ourselves to see whether we are sincere and honest in our Christian commitments. Christ applied this test to the area of giving.

MESSAGE:

Why do I give? (Matt. 6:1–4). Giving alms to the poor Jesus did not condemn, but He did caution us to make sure that our hearts are right as we do. This act can become self-centered, and not God-centered, done to make us look good but not necessarily the Lord. So, how can we check our own hearts?

Why Some Give—Acting (Matt. 6:1-2).

I.                The Pharisees used almsgiving to gain favor with God and attention from men, both of which were wrong motives.

A.    No amount of giving can purchase salvation; for salvation is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8–9).

B.    And to live for the praise of men is a foolish thing because the glory of man does not last (1 Peter 1:24).

C.    Hypocrisy is severely critical evil (Matt. 6:2). It encompasses “acting” or “pretending,” and is often associated with deceit, insincerity, and moral duplicity. The Scriptures are replete with examples and warnings about the dangerous consequences of hypocrisy, emphasizing the vital nature of genuine faith and integrity (Ps. 50:21; Matt. 23:25-26; Luke 12:1; Acts 5:1-11; Rom. 2:1).

II.              It is the glory and praise of God that really counts (Matt. 6:4)!

A.    While all these acts could glorify God, some of the Pharisees did them only to bring honor to themselves. In these words, Jesus was focusing on the motive behind any good deed.

B.    God rewards good deeds done for his glory alone. He does not reward good deeds done for recognition, display, applause, or honor. In fact, as Jesus explains in 6:2, the valued “reward” from others is the only reward that will be received.

C.    “Probably the vast majority of people are more influenced by what men will say, than by what God Almighty thinks.”—G. Campbell Morgan

What Some Gain—Attention (Matt. 6:2).

III.            The Attention of Men.

A.    Our sinful nature is so subtle that it can defile even a good thing like sharing with the poor.

B.    If our motive is to get the praise of men, then like the Pharisees, we will call attention to what we are doing.

                                                    i.     The phrase “do not sound a trumpet before you” pictures people calling attention to themselves, people who “blow their own horns.”

                                                  ii.     Their actions may be good, but their motives are hollow. Like actors in a play, they give their gifts in front of an audience, hoping for praise.

C.    But if our motive is to serve God in love and please Him, then we will give our gifts without calling attention to them.

                                                    i.     As a result, we will grow spiritually; God will be glorified; and others will be helped.

                                                  ii.     Jesus emphasized the importance of giving to those in need. He constantly repeated the idea of ‘when you give,’ not ‘If you give.’ What can you and I do to give to those in need? 

IV.            No Reward from God.

A.    But if we give with the wrong motive, we rob ourselves of blessing and reward and rob God of glory, even though the money we share might help a needy person.

B.    These empty acts and whatever human praise are received are the only rewards the hypocrites will receive for their trouble. God will reward those who are sincere in their faith and whose motive in all their good deeds is to glorify him.

How We Should Give—Authenticity (Matt. 6:3-4).

V.              Give Secretly. (Matt. 6:3-4).

A.    Helping other people becomes a real adventure if we remain anonymous.

                                                    i.     We may have to live through times when our acts of generosity are neither recognized nor appreciated.

                                                  ii.     Regardless, we still must give and help others when we can. Planning for this and setting aside money to share is ideal.

B.    No one should call attention to the act of sharing.

                                                    i.     It is easy to give with mixed motives, to do something for someone if it will benefit us in return.

                                                  ii.     Jesus advised, however, that giving be done in secret.

C.    Jesus' words do not forbid record keeping, receipting, or reporting procedures used in good stewardship.

                                                    i.     It's nearly impossible to keep secret the amount of charitable giving you do today.

                                                  ii.     Donors are required by tax authorities to keep very accurate records, and the larger the gift, the more people must keep a record of it.

D.    What Jesus said was a warning against self-glorifying demonstrations.

                                                    i.     Christians can and should apply the spirit of Jesus' teaching, even while they keep accurate financial accounts. But He condemned giving to impress others.

                                                  ii.     Believers should give generously, out of compassion, when there is a need.

                                                iii.     “God has given us two hands -- one for receiving and the other for giving.”—Billy Graham

E.     Does this mean that it is wrong to give openly? Must all giving be anonymous?

                                                    i.     Not necessarily, for everyone in the early church knew that Barnabas had given the income from the sale of his land (Acts 4:34–37). When the church members laid their money at the Apostles’ feet, it was not done in secret.

                                                  ii.     The difference, of course, was in the motive and way it was done. A contrast is Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11), who tried to use their gift to make people think they were more spiritual than they really were.

                                                iii.     Learn the blessing of keeping your donations secret.  Jesus tells us:

1.     Don't be proud of your generosity. You are only a steward of resources that belong to God already.

2.     Don't give for the honor bestowed on donors. Instead, give in gratitude for what God has given you.

3.     Don't count your gifts as merit points for heaven. God will reward you generously, but not on your invoice.

4.     Every time you give, count it as a reminder of your freedom from the power of money and of your trust in Jesus alone for all good things.

VI.            Give Sincerely. (Matt. 6:4). Your heavenly Father will notice your sharing and reward you for your giving spirit.

A.    The word for “reward” used here is different from the word used in 6:2, for the reward is very different. The hypocrites receive praise from people alone as their only “reward.” Those who give in secret, however, will receive a “reward” from the Father—a reward of greater value because it will be perfect and eternal.

B.    God does not promise an immediate reward, but it will be public and external. Doing something only for ourselves is not a loving sacrifice. Check the motives behind your next good deed by asking, “Would I still do this if no one would ever know that I did it?”

C.    The great news is believers can live free of hypocrisy and pretense by being real, genuine, godly, and authentic everyday (1Pet. 1:16; Rom. 12:9

CONCLUSION:

By first (Matt. 6:33) putting God’s will first in our lives He will be glorified because we give with sincerity. If we have real faith in our Father (free of hypocrisy), He will meet our needs. Hypocrisy is deeply and profoundly serious sin. It is driven by a desire for human praise, reputation, or the hiding of personal flaws. Insincerity is often the actions of a false, supposedly ‘moral’ person who hides multiple internal failures. It is holding oneself to a different standard than others or faking integrity; it is condemned as a form of spiritual dishonesty that demands severe judgment. While everyone may have moments of hypocrisy due to our imperfections, persistent, patterned hypocrisy is considered a deeply destructive, anti-spiritual condition. If we live out the true righteousness of the kingdom, we will avoid this sin as we live for God’s glory. As part of our Lord’s ‘secret service’ our motivation is authenticity. Seek to please Christ with your genuine giving.

Beloved, our lives are changed by the gospel and growth in Christ, by God’s acceptance of us based on the perfect sacrifice of Christ, as a result our compassion grows for others. We will recognize flaws, deficiencies, and sin in others. That person’s a sinner just like ourselves who needs more of Christ. Instead of ridiculing, condemning, or judging them, we do whatever we can to help them trust God more alongside us.   

Ephesians 4:23-25, And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; ²⁴ And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. ²⁵ Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.