Middot U'Mitzvot: Character Qualities and Commandments
Obeying G-d


G-d's Torah is the best source of instruction
in character qualities and holy living


Obeying God

“And to whom was it that he (God) swore that they would not enter his rest? Those who were disobedient.” Hebrews 3:18

Have you ever been disobedient? Purposely gone against something your parents forbid you to do? Ignore a command or instruction you were given? What happened? …T-R-O-U-B-L-E – with a capital “T” right? Your parents have rules and expectations to protect you and to help you become the best person you can be. And, God has given His children commandments and instructions to protect them and to help them become righteous in His sight. God can only bless that which is holy and righteous – He cannot bless rebellion or disobedience. We must choose to live according to God’s ways or we will end up living without Him. Only true peace can be found in Yeshua. But, if we choose to rebel or disobey God, we will never be able to enter into the wonderful peace and life and rest that God has promised to those who obey Him. How can you remind yourself of this the next time you are tempted to disobey?

Word and Deed - A Living Faith

“A person is declared righteous because of actions and not because of faith alone.” James 2:24

Ever have somebody say, “I’ll believe it when I see it!”? Or, “Why don’t you show me”? Talk is cheap and so, we must back up the words that we say with concrete actions. Good deeds are what brings life to our faith. Belief and faith are words that are abstract – they are elusive, hard to grasp, and sometimes difficult to understand. If we want to be lights unto the world – if we want to draw people to Yeshua, then we must show and give the world some real, hands-on, concrete meaning to our belief and to our faith. Our faith should be so alive in all that we do that the people around us know without a doubt who we are and why we live in such a way. They should see the love of Messiah Yeshua in everything that we do and say. Our speech must be accompanied by actions – our words with deeds. Are you demonstrating a living faith? How?

Praising God - No Grumbling Allowed

“Do not grumble against one another…” James 5:9

The children of Israel spent a lot of time grumbling and complaining during their forty years in the Wilderness. But, they weren’t the only ones who have engaged in such behavior, were they? When was the last time you complained about something? Last week? Yesterday? This morning? Five minutes ago? Selfishness seems to make it easier to grumble and complain then it is to give thanks and praise. Grumbling only brings you and others down and it is very displeasing to God. Praise and thanksgiving lifts you up. Which is better…down or up? Think about all of the blessings that you have been given. It sure is hard to excuse our complaining when we look at Yeshua and all that He has done for us. So, how can you help one another stop grumbling and start praising?

Accountability - Standing for Righteousness

“…Expel the evildoer from among yourselves.” 1 Corinthians 5:13

Ever met someone who says one thing, but then does something else? Ever know someone who said they were a Christian but lied all the time or stole candy or were mean to others? Part of being a follower of Yeshua is standing up for what is right. First, we must do this in our own lives and then we must also hold our friends and our peers accountable for what they are saying and doing in their lives. If your friend is doing something wrong, you can’t stay silent. By not saying anything – by not holding them accountable for their actions – you give your stamp of approval for what they are doing. And, if a friend confronts you on your behavior, you must be willing to listen and accept their words if they are true. We need one another to help each other hold one another accountable. How can you, as a group, help each other to do this?

Courage - Proclaiming the Truth

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news…saying to Zion, ‘Your God is King!’” Isaiah 52:7

Have you ever shared Messiah Yeshua with someone? Told them about the good news of salvation that can only be found in Him? Did you have a few butterflies in your stomach – get a little nervous or afraid? It takes courage to stand up for the truth – it takes a brave soul to speak to others about Yeshua and the plan of God; especially when most people think your crazy or silly or stupid for believing such things. But, if we don’t open our mouths and share God’s Word and the Messiah with those around us, they will never know the joy of the truth that we know – and they will be lost in their sin forever. Take a stand for Messiah – be courageous for the Lord! Tell everyone that “your God is King!”

Kehilat Sar Shalom

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