earnest

Definition of 'earnest' (Webster): characterized by, or proceeding from, an intense and serious state of mind

-

2 Cor 8:4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints...7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also...8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine...16 But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you...22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you.

-

Earnest is not a word that I hear or read in contemporary communication.  But, over the past year, we have come to know a fellowship of believers who are marked by this trait.  They are serious about their faith...about making the Lord the focus and about helping others come to faith and grow in faith.  They are marked by sincere interest in one another and they are keenly aware that they represent the living God as they reach out in love to welcome and care for each other.

-

To be earnest must say a great deal about the seriousness and intensity one has to walk with the Lord and to continually realign with His purposes and His ways.

-

I picture a ship that is designed to remain afloat and continue to carry cargo and reach its destination despite howling storms and battering waves.

-

I'm convinced that we need to be earnest if we are to be faithful because opposition and even hostility can be counted on to try to throw us off the path.  Of the few things we can control, our mindset...our choice of what to think on...is ours.  

-

May we be earnest about our relationship with the living God and about our care for one another.

-

blessings,

Rob Smith

-------------------------------------------

"Death is inevitable.  Life is a choice!"

John 11:25

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."