Our Family Time with God

Oct. 30, 2009

AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT

Scripture Reading--1 Timothy 4:12

"Let no man despise thy youth;

but be thou an example of the believers,

in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity"

( emphasis added ).

What does being an example in "spirit" mean? The word spirit refers to one's mental disposition or attitude. Proverbs 17:27 says, "He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit" ( emphasis added ). Because Daniel had an excellent spirit, the king put him in charge of the kingdom ( Dan. 6:3 ). Someone who has an excellent spirit is positive, humble, and joyful.

Everybody is enthusiastic at times--some for 30 minutes, some for 30 days. But the man who's enthusiastic for 30 years is the man who is a success at life! Positive people are peasant to be around. Because they're upbeat and optimistic, they achieve more.

Micah 6:8 says, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" ( emphasis added ). Pride is the first thing to enter a man and the last thing to go. God is attracted to those who possess a humble spirit. A prideful spirit not only repels God but is also repulsive to others.

Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" ( John 15:11 ). The Lord desires His children to experience fullness of joy. We can develop a joyful spirit.

Those who have an excellent spirit are happier and more productive. We can discipline our minds to think properly.

Sow an action, reap a habit.

Sow a habit, reap a character.

Sow a character, reap a destiny.

----Samuel Smiles

An excellent spirit brings blessing to God and to men. Choose to be positive, humble, and joyful.

THOUGHT: The pinnacle of man's greatness is the height of his own character.

--Harold Vaughan--