What steps can we take to develop "stately" attributes in our character? Setting the Scene: Understanding “Stately” “There are three things that are stately in their stride, and four that are impressive in their walk: a lion, mighty among beasts, refusing to retreat from anything; a strutting rooster; a male goat; and a king with his army around him.” Picture the Examples • Lion – fearless authority, unwavering courage • Rooster – alert confidence, purposeful bearing • Male goat – steady perseverance, sure-footed leadership • King with his army – ordered dignity, responsibility for others Drawing Out the Attributes • Courage: facing threats instead of retreating • Alertness: maintaining watchfulness and readiness • Perseverance: pressing forward on difficult terrain • Dignity: carrying oneself with godly honor • Responsibility: using influence to bless and protect Practical Steps for Growing These Attributes Courage • Meditate daily on God’s promises (Joshua 1:9) • Speak truth even when unpopular (Acts 4:19-20) Alertness • Begin each morning in Scripture, tuning heart and mind (Psalm 5:3) • Guard inputs—limit distractions that dull spiritual senses (Ephesians 5:15-16) Perseverance • Set small, attainable spiritual goals and finish them (Hebrews 12:1-2) • Remember past deliverances to fuel present endurance (1 Samuel 17:37) Dignity • Practice self-control in speech and habits (Proverbs 25:28) • Dress and act in ways that honor Christ, not draw vain attention (Colossians 3:17) Responsibility • Serve those under your influence—family, church, workplace (Mark 10:45) • Seek wise counsel before making decisions that affect others (Proverbs 15:22) Reinforcing Truth with Related Scriptures • 2 Timothy 1:7 — “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 — “Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” • 1 Peter 5:8-9 — “Be sober-minded and alert… Resist him, standing firm in your faith.” A Daily Plan to Walk Stately Morning: • Read a portion of Proverbs and pray it into action. • Declare one promise aloud to cultivate courage. Midday: • Pause to assess alertness—are thoughts drifting? Refocus on Christ. Evening: • Review the day’s choices. Where did perseverance and dignity show? Where lacking? • Commit tomorrow’s responsibilities to the Lord, trusting His strength. Consistent application of these steps, grounded in the unchanging truth of Scripture, shapes a character that walks as stately as the lion, rooster, goat, and king—bringing glory to the One who enables every stride. |
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