JAY QUINE: Lord

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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Jay Quine quips, "Seize today!"

An enlargeable map of the 67 counties of the S...

Hebrews 3:13 Carpe Diem
"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today."

Haveyou ever thought, “I’ll be happy when I make more money; when I graduate fromcollege; when I get married; when we have children, or when I retire inFlorida?” We often find ourselves livingfor the future when some benchmark is achieved, as if today isn’t goodenough. But today is when and where weare to live. The Bible says, “Encourageone another day after day, so long as it is called “today.”” This is Dr. JayQuine. Let me encourage you today, notto live in the dream of the future; and don’t be crippled by an event in the past. Enjoy this moment, right here, rightnow. Stay here, in the living presence of the risen Savior, and by faith enter intoHis rest, knowing that the Lord wants fellowship with you today in the here andnow.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Quine on God's View of Your Work (not works!)

the first of the Epistles to the Colossians

Manuscript of Colossians

Colossians 3:23 Do your work as unto the Lord

Christians need to understand the value God places on our work. These are not our jobs, but are a means to worship the Lord, for theBible says, “do your work heartily, as for the Lord, rather than for men.” Thisis Dr. Jay Quine, looking with you the Lord's instruction for your“work”. Work well done rises like a hymn of praise toGod. This means that the doctor on the rounds, the scientist in the laboratory,the teacher in the classroom, the musician at the music, the artist at thecanvas, the shop assistant at the counter, entering data at the computer, thebusiness owner, or board member, the homemaker in the kitchen -- all doingtheir work as it should be done are joining in a great act of worship. Remember, you don't work for yourself, even if you own your own company. Do your work as if Jesus was in your office--because He is!!!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Spiritual Gifts: Chapter 6.4 - Craftsmanship, by Jay Quine

Moses with the tablets of the Ten Commandments...

Rembrandt: Moses with the Tablet of the Law, post by Jay QuineYour Gifts, Your Values -- Quine

Craftsmanship

In the past, God has given special abilities of craftsmanship to certain individuals for special projects. Exodus 31:1-6 records one example:

Then the Lord said to Moses, See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you.

Some suggest that just as the Holy Spirit gifted certain men in the in this way in the past He does so now. Since no list is an exhaustive compilation of all the spiritual gifts, it can be argued that there are others not mentioned in the New Testament which God still gives. The gift of craftsmanship may fall into this category.

Conclusion: This gifted person is empowered by the Holy Spirit to use their hands and minds for the common good through building, designing, artistic, and creative expression.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Spiritual Gifts: Chapter 5.5 - The Sign Gifts (miracles, healing, raising the dead, etc.), by Jay Quine

Mark 16:17-20[1] says,

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get will.

These “signs” accompany the preaching of the Gospel. They seem to accompany belief. But notice the variety of these signs—not just healing and tongues, but snake handling and drinking of poison, and exorcism. These are unqualified, unequivocal statements—that upon belief these signs will be present, and, there is no exception for failure in the passage.

However, experience shows that people die even after the laying on of hands. Christians bit by snakes get sick. Some die. Believers drink poison and die. Even though the verse doesn’t allow for any, it seems like the exceptions rule. “Therefore this passage cannot mean that all believers will do these signs or that these signs will always be present in the Church.”[2]

It is possible that since Jesus associated these signs with those who “have believed”[3] He was referring only those he was addressing who were believers. This seems to be affirmed in verse 20. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. It is even possible that the use of the past tense here indicates that by the time Mark wrote his Gospel that these accompanying signs with belief had ceased.

The limitation of the signs gifts to the Apostles is also evidenced in Acts. Clearly, not everyone performed these signs. Acts 2:43 limits them to the apostles.

And many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.

Similarly, Acts 5:12 states,

The Apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people.

They were not done by all believers, but specifically by the Apostles (but for two exceptions, namely Stephen and Philip). These signs were accomplished regardless of the faith of the person healed (Acts 3), in public and private, even when they were unaware of doing it (Peter’s shadow falling on people). There were no failures, no exceptions, no faith meetings or faith requirements, no sideshow. It is the Apostles, and only the Apostles who fulfilled the promise of Mark 16:17-20.

It makes sense that these wonders and miraculous signs were limited to the Apostles. Paul refers to them in 2Corinthians 12:12 this way:

The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance.

Since they mark an apostle then it is likely that they were not performed by every believer. They are the exception - to identify an Apostle - rather than the norm. Since the requirement for an apostle was to have seen the resurrected Jesus, it is not surprising that Hebrews 2:3-4 connects these signs with those who were eyewitnesses of the Lord.

As with the signs and miracles the Lord performed, the purpose for these signs of an Apostle was to validate the claims of the gospel message (the benefit for the person healed is almost a second thought). For instance, even though it occurred in private, when Peter raised Dorcas, many believed on the Lord (Acts 9:36-42). The principle is stated in Acts 14:3,

So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there (in Iconium), speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.

The miraculous signs were given to the Apostles to substantiate their preaching of the good news of salvation.

Today’s claims of signs and wonders fail to live up the New Testament expectations and purpose. This has been true throughout church history. Since the apostolic days, no one in the history of the Church has performed miracles and healing as described in the book of Acts. This ability was restricted from the beginning—to those few to whom it was given, the gift was without fail (one exception in Mark 9:2-29), and under any circumstance (public and private; purposeful and unknowing; upon these with faith and without; willing and unwilling), for the purpose to confirm, support and validate the message of salvation.

Conclusions:

1) The sign and miraculous gifts were with rare exception for the Apostles.

2) They were called “signs of an apostle” in 2Cor 12:12.

3) They were used by the Apostles in a multitude of circumstances and situations.

4) All evidence throughout church history of the continuation of these gifts fail to meet the kind of use revealed in Acts or given in Mark 16:17-20.

5) These gifts were given to validate and support the message of salvation the Apostles preached.

Because of these observations, the gifts of signs and miracles are not included in the spiritual gift assessment survey explained in this book.

[1]We recognize that the precise ending of Mark remains an unresolved mystery of textual criticism. While a preferred ending may be at 16:8 (as represented by codex Siniaticus and Vaticanus), the ending “for they were afraid” seems very odd, and requires additional explanation. Arguments can be made supporting every possible ending.

[2] Thomas R. Edgar, Miraculous Gifts, Loizeaux Brothers, 1983, p. 89.

[3] The aorist tense generally indicates an unspecific past tense.

Spiritual Gifts: Chapter 5:4 - The Gift of Faith, by Jay Quine

Your Gifts, Your Values -- Quine

After the encourager helps us, it still takes faith to keep going. A person with the gift of faith is quick to step in and provide the spark needed to get things going, or to get them going again. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” So the person with the gift of faith must really make God smile!

The phrase, without faith it is impossible to please God follows an important verse about faith. I like the NIV translation of Hebrews 11:1.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.

The person with the gift of faith understands with certain conviction what God can do. Because it is by faith (and not because of their experience or their own human intellect) they can be certain since it is God they are trusting. The person with the gift of faith reminds us that God stands behind His word; that God can be trusted; that God has called us to be part of a great work! Even though circumstances may argue against it, faith looks beyond the immediate details. The gift of faith is given to keep our eyes upon God. It is no surprise then that this lesson on faith end in Hebrews 12:2, reminding us to fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Conclusion:

Those gifted in faith remind us of the magnitude of God—He can do it! All we have to do is trust Him to do it.

Spiritual Gifts: Chapter 5:3 - Exhortation and Encouragement, by Jay Quine

Your Gifts, Your Values -- Quine

An administrator or leader needs encouragement. He needs someone who will say enthusiastically, “Hey, you know, he’s right. We can do this!” Encouragement is crucial to keep a group going.

The person with the gift of exhortation and encouragement also has a corrective tone. “My friend, you really need to get your act together. Hey, we need to change and live for the Lord.” This aspect of the exhorter complements the teacher. While the teacher brings us to a point of understanding where we can say, “Oh yes, I see that,” the exhorter takes us to the point of commitment where we say, “Oh yes, I’ll do that!” This is why preaching and exhorting are closely related. Paul instructed Timothy to, preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. Not only was this pastor to preach, but he was to support his teaching with the power of exhortation.

Barnabas is a great example of an encourager. He was called the “son of encouragement” in Acts 4:36 (his name literally means “son of prophecy” but his character was one of encouragement). His encouraging character came into action when Paul tried to get together with the other disciples in Jerusalem shortly after his conversion. Rather than welcome Paul they rejected him and shunned him. It was Barnabas who went to Paul, encouraged him, and brought him to the Apostles. After explaining how the Lord had already used Paul’s evangelistic zeal the other Apostles accepted Paul and his ministry (Acts 9:26-28).

The gifted encourager reflects the character of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is called the paraclete, (the same Greek word for “encouragement”) meaning, “the comforter,” and “encourager.”[1] Just as the Holy Spirit comforts us, encourages us, even prods and exhorts us to live for the Lord, so too the person with the gift of encouragement, filled with the Spirit of God, encourages others.

A pastor friend of mine recently received a nine page “Dear Pastor, let me tell you everything you are doing wrong” letter, with a copy sent to every member of the board. Nine pages! My friend was pretty discouraged. It is amazing how one person can effectively destroy a church, a pastor’s heart, or a ministry. But the Lord has provided a special gift, the gift of encouragement, so that His body can keep going in the face of bitter criticism. A few words of encouragement are so important, so powerful, and so vital for the body of Christ. The mature always find ways to encourage others.

Conclusion:

Encouragers and exhorters are God’s gentle servants to prod others in the body to be who God called them to be.

[1]Bauer, Arndt, Gingrich and Danker, Greek-English Lexicon, p. 618.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Spiritual Gifts: Chapter 3.2 - God Trusts Us with Our Gifts, by Jay Quine

Your Gifts, Your Values -- Quine

Matthew 5:13

"You are the salt of the earth"

Have you ever tasted a sauce to see what it may need to make it better? I tried out a new recipe the other night on my wife. It was this sweet potato sort of stew thing. We sat down, tasted it. It was good. But there was just something missing...my mind was thinking, “would basal help? a little oregano? maybe rosemary.” But she simply said, “ It needs a little salt.”

I never think of salt. Just a little salt, the flavors came alive. Used in the right quantity, in the right way, salt makes things taste better. Salt makes things more attractive to the old taste buds. When the Lord said, “You are the salt of the earth,” He was saying that we should have a certain quality about us that makes Christ’s message attractive. It is through the function of our spiritual gifts that the Gospel can become attractive.

They didn’t have refrigeration in the ancient world as we do today, so they also used salt as a preservative. Salting meat or fish would allow them to be kept longer. When Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth” I believe He was not only saying we are to attract others to Him, but also that we preserve our society through the utilization of our spiritual gifts.

So, we may conclude from this verse:

Active believers preserve their society.

Active believers attract others to the faith.

Jesus also spoke a parable which directly speaks to the use of our spiritual gifts.

Matthew 25:14-15

Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.

First, make this important observation: the talents were given "according to his own A B I L I T Y " So, each one is individually responsible for what was given him, and no one is given more than he can handle.

Matthew 25:16-18

The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

Notice, we have choices with what we do with what the Lord entrust to us!

Matthew 25:19-21

After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. “Master,” he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.” His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

The same kind of report and commendation occurred for the second servant. It is important to notice that even though we are to properly utilize what the Lord entrusts to us they are considered by Him as a “few things.” We can conclude,

Fulfilling our responsibility is considered a small thing.

Faithfulness to our talent will be evaluated.

Last is the third servant who hid his talent.

Matthew 25:24-25

Then the man who had received the one talent came. “Master,” he said, “I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.”

This servant only knew certain aspects of the Master. One may know of the justice of God, and fear the holy wrath of God, but know nothing of His grace, mercy, compassion and love. This servant really didn’t know the Master at all. Yes God is just and judges, but these are always tempered by His grace, mercy and love. The Lord’s predisposition is first towards love. But the third servant never saw it. Since he never knew the Lord he was banished to the place reserved for unbelievers—“outer darkness.”

His master replied, “You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:26-30

Looking back over both the “salt of the earth” passage and this “talent” parable we find a common denominator: We must responsibly use what God has entrusted to us. We must mature in the use of our gifts.

Spiritual Gifts: Chapter 3.1 -- Spiritual Bailments, by Jay Quine

In law there is a curious thing called a “bailment.” It is when property is delivered to another, who is to utilize or keep the property for the good of the owner until the time of trust is complete.[1] For a bailment to occur two requirements must be met:

1) knowledge of the object

2) actual change of possession

For example, let’s say you own a beauty shop. A customer walks in and hangs her coat. You see her hang her coat; in fact you have to wait for her to finish hanging her coat as you invite her to have her hair washed. Hanging it on the hanger (which your shop provided) she says, “Now I’m trusting you with this, dearee.”

But, you’re not the only one who saw her hang her coat. So did another customer, who decided to help herself to it on her way out. Under the law of bailment, you, the shop owner are liable for the stolen coat because there was 1) knowledge of the object, and 2) it was in your shop and on your hanger—you took possession.

So it is with spiritual gifts. We could think of them as spiritual bailments rather than spiritual gifts in that they are God’s which He entrusts to us for a time. There is knowledge of them, for every believer has a spiritual gift—“to each one there is given a manifestation of the spirit” (1Cor 12:7). So we know we all have one. There is knowledge of the object.

There is also a change of possession—God gives them to us, and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we know we possess them. Like a bailment, we are responsible for what we do with the spiritual gifts the Lord has entrusted to us.

[1]Black’s Law Dictionary, Eighth Edition, edited by Bryan A. Garner, 2006.

Spiritual Gifts: Chapter 2.1 -- Spiritual Surprises! by Jay Quine

Your Gifts, Your Values -- Quine

As we get older our lives significantly change. For example, once retired, we are no longer preoccupied with how to make a living, and the tasks before us at work. Likewise, our bodies change, so that even though we have the time to take lessons, we physically may not be able to play the piano like we have always dreamed—at least not learn as well as a child with nimble agile fingers. We can’t sing like we use to. We can’t think as clearly; bake as well; our timing is off. We don’t have the physical strength of our youth anymore. As the reality of aging truths mount it can conjure up a fear. “Afraid,” one older gentleman told me upon retirement, “I’m afraid of becoming useless.” One of the worst horrors of the human soul is the fear of being useless.

A study of spiritual gifts may surprise us in that we soon see we can lay aside the fear of becoming useless. It is not because God promises to keep us strong, or sharp, or on key as we grow old. Instead He promises to give us a gift that won’t fade, but only continue to mature and get better with age. This is because it is a supernatural thing—not dependent upon us or our decaying physical minds and bodies, but dependent upon the Spirit of God. And because it is a supernatural thing, not a natural but a spiritual gift, it has a unique purpose. As a result of fulfilling this purpose, that haunting feeling of uselessness vanishes.

Your spiritual gift is by God’s sovereign grace.

Ephesians 4:7

“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”

Make sure you notice two things in this verse. First, spiritual gifts are given to “each one of us.” Each and every Christian, whether young or old, experienced or new in the faith, advanced or primitive, has a spiritual gift. We may not know what it is or how to use it, but the Lord has given it.

This leads to the second observation, that these gifts are “given.” They are bestowed by God. They are not things we acquired by our training (even though gifts can be developed as we mature) or by degree. Just like salvation, they are fully given as gifts by virtue of God’s grace.

However, unlike salvation they differ “according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” In other words, the Lord measures out a certain gift for one person, and a different gift for another all under His selection and control.

We might ask why God bothers giving us these spiritual gifts. What is their purpose? A quick survey of the New Testament reveals several overall purposes for every gift and therefore for every believer whether advanced or primitive in the faith.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Spiritual Gifts - Committed to the Principle of Love: Chapter 1.3, by Jay Quine

Your Gifts, Your Values -- Quine

The rest Ephesians 4:2 concludes with two little words: “in love.” F.F. Bruce writes of the force of the preposition “in” here. He concludes that it is the governing sphere of the entire concept—what he calls the commitative use.[1] The Lord is telling us that while picking up humility and are patient with one another, to be committed to the principle of LOVE. “Love” (the original word is agape) is not erotic love. Nor is not the kind of love you might have for your brother or your sister. It is a selfless let it roll off your back, “I’m going to love you no matter what” kind of love. It is love based on your character, not someone else’s. It is a love that says, “I’m going to love you because I am a lover; it doesn’t matter what you are, but I am a person who loves. I am committed to the principle of love.”

Be committed to the principle of L O V E !

It is the only way to be humble and patient with one another on a consistent basis.

Jay gasping! “Phew. Humility and patience. Okay Lord. I hear You.”

God interjecting: “Jay, there’s just one more thing.

Jay, incredulous: “One MORE thing?”

God: Yes. It’s just something I want you to hold on to and continue to carry along the way. It’s harmonious unity.”

Ephesians 4:3

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

If we are careful to notice, unity is something the Ephesian church already had—they had it and the Lord was asking them to keep it. Unity is the expected result of our salvation—once you realize you’ve been called by God, elected, invited to the greatest marriage reception in all the universe, to have eternal life forever, to enter the Kingdom of God through the riches of His grace, blessing, and mercy—the natural thing is to be unified with other people who are also called.

Imagine a later conversation after your phone call from God:

Jay: “Hey Greg, guess who called me yesterday?

Greg: “I give up. Who?”

Jay: “God did. You know, the Lord, God, the almighty creator and sustainer of the universe.”

Greg: “Who are you kidding? Are you feeling okay?”

With those who haven’t been called, there is a natural separation. It is a separation even reflected in our values. They just don’t understand. But imagine this chat the next day.

Greg, yelling across the parking lot: “Hey, Jay! Guess who called ME last night?”

Jay, somewhat defensive: “Look, dude. Don’t mess with me.”

Greg: “No, really. God called me! I accepted His invitation to believe in Jesus as my personal savior from sin! I too have been challenged to live through a re-prioritization of my values.”

Jay: “That’s fantastic! We’ll be in heaven together forever!”

Together, with a high five: “Whoa!”

That’s unity. Strive to keep that unity through the excitement of knowing you all have been called by God.

Now, how can you do this? By being committed to a value principle just as before. Again F.F. Bruce helps us out. Once again, the same preposition at the end of verse 3 is used commitatively.

[1] You can read his analysis in The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians, The New international Commentary on the New Testament, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, 1984, p. 334, and especially note 6.

Spiritual Gifts - Why has God called you? Chapter 1.2, by Jay Quine

Your Gifts, Your Values -- Quine

Why has God called you?

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Ephesians 4:1

This verse simply says, “Live life with a certain mindset—with particular values.” It is focused on the word “called.” “Live a life worth of the calling you received.” Two words are used for “called” here. The first is like an invitation. The second like an appointment. So, we could read the verse like, “Life a life worthy of the invitation to which you have been appointed.”

In the first three chapters of Ephesians Paul repeats the truth that we have been appointed to be part of Kingdom of God. Those who believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, God has chosen before the foundation of the earth, and already elected to be part of His family. The NIV translation picks up this concept,

“As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”

He is saying, since we have received a call from God, an invitation from God, live a life by embracing values that show it.

What would it be like to receive an invitation over the phone from God? The conversation could go something like this:

(Ring, ring.)

Jay, answering: “Hello.”

God: “Yes, hello. This is God calling. Who is this?

Jay, surprised: “Wow, is it really you, God? This is great. Well, Lord, this is Jay.”

God, musing: “Jay? Jay? Hummm… Jay who? I must have the wrong number.”

Jay, puzzled: “You know, God. This is Jay. Jay Quine.”

God: “Oh, Jay Quine…I’m sorry to bother you. I called you by mistake.” (Click)

Hopefully a call from God wouldn’t go like that for you! Likely it would go more like this.

(Ring, ring.)

Jay, answering: “Hello, Quine residence (taking no chances this time!).”

God: “Hello, Jay. This is God calling. Yes, the Lord here. I’m calling you because I know you have received and accepted my invitation to be part of my Kingdom, to come to the greatest wedding celebration the universe has ever seen, and I’m asking a few people to pick up a few things on the way.”

Jay: Looking back over his shoulder, “Hey honey, it’s the Lord on the phone! God wants ME to pick something up for the wedding feast!”

“Yeah, sure Lord. What can I bring?” (Right now you’re very thankful you canceled call waiting!) “Do you want me to pick up some dinner rolls or something?”

God: “No, Jay, no. Don’t worry about the bread. I have the bread covered.”

Jay: “Okay. I know what. I’ll bring something to drink. Is that it Lord?”

God: “No, Jay, no. Don’t worry about drinks. I have the wine and the cups already taken care of.”

Jay: “Well Lord, what is it then?”

God: “Jay, I want you to pick up some humility before you arrive.”

Long pause.

Jay: “Uhh, hello Lord? Ummm, why don’t you just let me bring the dessert?”

We want to focus on our DOING things for the Lord, but He wants us to be concerned about our BEING first. What we think about our BEING is reflected in our value system we employ in life. Humility is a foundational life value.

Ephesians 4:2

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Humility. The finest definition of this word is found in Scripture itself. Humility is both being a servant and being realistic about yourself. In other words, humility is being realistic about your service to God in this life. Be real about the gifts entrusted to you, and your progress in the development of those gifts.

Philippians 2:5-11 tells us of Christ’s humility—which was so great that in obedience to the will of the Father, He became a man, a man in the form of a servant, who went to the cross to die for us all. Mark 10:45 explains that Christ went to the cross as a servant; to serve us. Humility thus means being an obedient servant to God with the goal to serve others.

Humility also involves knowing who you are. Don’t think of yourself too lowly (false humility), nor too highly (pride). Be realistic about yourself. Romans 12:3 says, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Be sound in your evaluation about yourself. That is also humility.

So to summarize, humility is a value concerning your realistic contribution in your service to God. It implies allowing others to be involved in contributions you realize you cannot make. Humility triggers many other life values.

God again speaking: “Jay, I want you to pick up some humility: serve Me as you serve others with a realistic evaluation of yourself. Know what you can do. Know what you can’t and must let others do.”

Jay: “Okay, Lord. I hear you.”

The Lord doesn’t just want humility in our basket. He wants us to pick up another item on the way as well—patience. Ephesians 4:2 continues,

Be patient, bearing with one another.

Imagine your at the store to pick up a few items—just a couple of things. You don’t need a shopping cart. You pick up bread, eggs, then remember milk and orange juice…and then oh yeah, coffee, coffee filters, and some chicken. Balancing all this stuff they head for the checker, turn the aisle corner and bamm—I knock into you. Down go the eggs one direction, and the milk your direction! Splat, all over your shoes, pants, and a few stray drops manage to fly up to your cheek. You may say what you will regret! That’s where patience comes in.

God speaking: “Jay, I want you to pick up some patience.”

Okay, so somebody made a mistake; someone made a bad decision on your church board, or your management team at work, or your child made a childish decision. Just be patient. Be humble. And maybe, if you are realistic about yourself, you will find that you may be able to help in just the right way. Patience helps you serve others with that humility you already picked up. It is a value that is foundational for the maturation and function of other values and your gifts.

Dr. Jay Quine

Dr. Quine is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., and Ph.D.), the University of Idaho college of Law (J.D.), and Washington State University (B.S.).

For several years he enjoyed the practice of law as a prosecuting attorney and municipal court judge while teaching Business Law and maintaining a private practice.

He has served as a pastor for 16 years in Texas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, as the Chair of the Master of Divinity Program, and Dean of the College of Biblical Studies at Philadelphia Biblical University before becoming a Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Published and honored on multiple levels and in many arenas, he is considered to be a voice of legal authority on issues involving church and para-church Christian institutions.

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