What is a man of God?

The heart of Getz' book "The Measure of a Man" is found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-10. The list of 20 characteristics on p. 20 is discussed throughout the book and is the backbone for identifying "'the man of God' who is 'equipped for every good work.'" (p. 19). 2 Timothy 3:17:

I am not much into lists because they are self-limiting. How can you possibly get all the info in a list. However, the benefit of a list is that it brings key ideas into focus. So, I think we need to take Getz' list as a starting point--and with 20 markers, it is a very large starting point. However, even if we were able to perfect each of these characteristics, we would have to realize that we would not be complete--unique and disciplined and special, but not complete.

And this brings me back to a point in the Getz' text on p. 19. How do we recognize the man of God? Well, is it the list? If so, how do we rate the list, measure it, evaluate individuals based on it, and on and on. To me, the man of God is not someone who will measure up to the list, but who is willing to explore the list and give God the opportunity to work him over. It is about attitude, not perfection. King David is noted as a man after God's own heart. If that doesn't describe a man of God, I don't know what does. Terms like "prophet" and "priest" were also used to describe God's men. And yet, the kings, prophets, and priests of old were all still in need of a savior and sacrifice. They were not perfect.

What does this mean to me? Well, first of all, if David can be a man after God's heart, then I can be also. Secondly, men of God are not measured by what they have done, but where they are going and what they are doing. And to clarify further, men of God are known by what God is doing in them, not by what they are doing in their own strength. THUS, MEN OF GOD ARE KNOW, NOT BY WHAT THEY WERE OR ARE, BUT BY WHAT THEY ARE BECOMING.

So, as I read this book, I find myself forced to deal with my imperfections and my motivations. I also am challenged to re-evaluate my direction in life. Where am I going? Am I leading the way, or is God leading the way? Am I trying to attain certain human characteristics, or am I "after" God's heart?

So, as we venture through this book together, I hope you are inspired to become more than you are today--more like God, less like the world, more into the Spirit, less into material things, more into Christ, less into yourself.