PERSONALITY DIFFERENCES. 1st Chronicles 7 In any group of people, there is a wide variety of personal strengths and weaknesses. Personality differences should not be a cause of disunity. Most people think, "If everyone were like me, we would be a much better group and have a far greater influence on those around." This happens in families, assemblies, and even nations. In some cases, nations try to force their political opinions on other countries to make them conform to their way of doing things. This has been a cause for war between nations at times. In some assemblies, a strong-minded leader is never satisfied until every person is willing to do what he says, on his terms and in the way he wants. In families, some parents have told their child, "It's too bad you are not like your brother and sister."
This mindset has serious negative consequences, including disunity within the group that may lead to division. The writer of the Chronicles, aiming to unify people who had been scattered in captivity and diverse in their thinking, compiled these lists of individual groups to reestablish in the minds of the people their common ground rather than the factors that divided them.
The genealogy of Israel and the families in the various tribes ends in this chapter. The northern tribes would have been only a memory from the past to those who returned from exile, so it was important that their family units be remembered.
There was an emphasis on the military might of Issachar. The list of military men from the tribe of Issachar and their strengths is very impressive. These "valiant men of might" were notable and rightly so. As the returning exiles read about the strong military leaders in their past, perhaps it instilled in them some courage to pick up and go forward from where they were now. They would have to bravely step ahead in spite of having to start over from scratch. Those names from their past would let them know the kind of people from whom they came. The tribe of Benjamin had been decimated generations before and had barely been able to survive as an identifiable tribe. The Civil War had lowered the number of Benjamite men so low that they wondered how they could continue. The few that were left were "mighty men of valor."
Even when we are small and insignificant in numbers and perhaps think we are overlooked in the grand scheme of things, we need to recognize that when God brings recovery, the size of the group isn't what matters. Some assemblies have been successful in testimony and in reaching out with the Gospel. Other assemblies have suffered great losses for one reason or another. One group may have leaders who have vision and a desire to further the work of God by outreach to other areas. Another may have leaders who focus on teaching believers.
The assembly at Thessalonica was actively engaged in "sounding out the word of the Lord." The assembly at Berea was characterized by "searching the scriptures" to see if what was taught was correct scripturally. Yet men from both assemblies came together to support and work with Paul as a unified group.
Differences can strengthen a work. If every person or assembly were exactly alike, there would be areas of great strength and significant weakness. When guided by the Holy Spirit and led by spiritual men, a unified body of believers is a strong force for good in furthering the interests of the kingdom of God.
In the lists of names the chronicler wrote, some women are mentioned who influenced the nation. The tribe of Naphtali is listed here as a reminder of their grandmother, Bilah, the concubine of Jacob. Even though little is written about their progeny and their accomplishments, there were times in their tribal history when they rose to the occasion and did what was necessary, even though they seemed to be pacifists who wanted to avoid controversy.
It is unfortunate for some people if they are constantly fighting or hoping for one. It is also bad if no one stands up, challenges what is wrong, and pays the price for doing what is right. Because a person is reticent by nature and may be unwilling to attack a problem or a project with vigor and enthusiasm, it does not mean they have nothing to offer of a positive nature. Those who "stay by the stuff" while others go out to engage publicly in the work are filling an important role in the overall purpose of things. We need to recognize and appreciate quiet people who stay in the background, and give them credit for using what they have and doing what they do.
Women are given special consideration in the list of the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled on the west side of the Jordan River. The inheritance of a father who had no sons was to be passed on to his daughters. Certain restrictions applied if they married. They had to marry someone from within the tribal families.
There are roles to fill and work to do among God's people by women who understand who they are and why they are here. Instead of seeking to do the work designated for men, women should apply themselves with enthusiasm and grace to their work in their sphere of service. There is much to do among the people of God for women who are available to do what they are able. There is no reason for them to seek to take on the work God has given to men. For both men and women, the Spirit of God will provide ample opportunity to serve Him. Once we take the initiative in a work, we know we can do it.
Another area of concern Ezra did not ignore was the fact that temperament has an effect on other people. It is important for me to be aware of the fact that some sisters in Christ may suffer depression during and after pregnancy. Jabez's mother was a case in point, as was Machier's wife.
Some of God's people suffer in ways others will never know. It is wrong for me to be intolerant of those who have idiosyncrasies that are uncommon or live with depression. Those may be caused by physical or emotional distress, or it may even be a genetic thing passed on from those in their family. It is important for us to make ourselves available to assist them in any way we can, without condemning them.
Some of God's people have suffered great losses and tragedies. If a son or daughter has been quickly taken away, and there is no evidence they have been born again, it is a tough burden to bear. When a brother or sister is going through a painful time of loss, usually the best way we can help them is to sit and listen to what they have to say. A touch on the shoulder or arm, a quiet hymn, a personal gift, a verse of scripture written out on a piece of paper may be the best thing we can do for them in our desire to give them comfort. People who haven't experienced something similar sometimes talk about the "healing process" in a way that suggests we can get over the loss. Actually, we can't. We have to learn how to live with the loss and press ahead in life, knowing some things have happened that we cannot change.
Ephraim went through that when he lost two sons in a battle over livestock. They lost their lives for some cows. At such times, we begin to take stock of what really counts in life. It is not wrong for us to grieve over the passing of loved ones. That is part of life. But there should be a dignity and grace on our part that is similar to what Job said, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." It is possible to be so occupied with our own grief that we forget others are looking on. Our children, grandchildren, and neighbors have had a loss too, and they need to know when the time has come to "cast our care upon the Lord," and trust His sustaining power.
The historical record of the men of Asher would have impressed those of that tribe when the captives returned, and not only were their forefathers mighty men of valor, but they were "choice" men. These men would have maintained their integrity in the heat of battle. They were both brave and compassionate, and maintained their purity all at the same time. Those who led the soldiers were men who could see beyond the immediate event and looked to the outcome of the situation. They were "outstanding" leaders who could do what needed to be done with what they had.
Leaders always face obstacles. How they face them and deal with them testifies to the kind of person they are. Purity of motive, integrity in character, bravery in action, and wisdom in the whole matter are needed in those going before the people of God. A leader's heart is best seen when he has the kind heart of a shepherd and the brave heart of a lion.
They rallied to the cause – there were enemies around. It took more than wishful thinking when they heard the trumpet sound calling them to gird themselves for war. They knew what they were there for when the time came for them to stand and fight. Some enemies were after their cattle, and some after their saleable goods. They went forward right from where they stood to do battle.
We must protect what God has given us and recognize that what we have is a sacred trust. The foes we face may seem like giants sometimes. Materialism, opposition, strife, vainglory, complacency, and fear will not be satisfied until they take away what we have received from the Lord. The only way to deal with giants is to smite them by the power of God until they are dead. Fatal wounds aren’t on their feet; we have to hit them in the head. Those who challenge the truth of God say they think “intellectually.” They will fall under the power of the word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit. It is from Him that genuine spirituality will come.
Some still oppose the truth by quoting the large numbers that attend their religious services. They believe there is power in numbers. It is okay when that happens if it awakens us from a condition of lethargy, but numbers have no lasting meaning. We should not be leaning on our spears. The Lord is indeed in the midst of two or three gathered together in His name, but we must use the sword of the Spirit effectively.
The war is not over for us; there are battles yet to fight. Until the Lord comes, there will be strife between darkness and light. Sometimes, the enemy is subtle; he actually gets inside, and we don’t even know it. We must resist him and be strong in faith; we must never run away or hide. Wherever the good fight of faith is waged, be sure of the outcome – the triumphs of God’s grace save and keep His people.