When one simply looks at the definitions of the word translated "kindness" in our text for this study (Galatians 5:22-23), he will find a multiplicity of excellent words which bring to mind so many helpful and wonderful thoughts. Words such as usefulness, moral excellence, gentleness, integrity, benignity, manageable, mild or pleasant are all words which the translator can utilize to bring this word into the English! What wonderful words to be used to describe the outward reputation of the Christian, one led by the Spirit of God through His divinely inspired book. Throughout these definitions, three major categories can easily be seen. 

Kindness is Being Reliable - "Useful," "Manageable," "Integrity"
     In Luke 6:35, the Lord is described as being "kind" to the wicked based upon his example of the "Golden Rule" (Luke 6:31-36). If that is the case, and it is, we can see His reliability through this. We can know that He is going to keep His promises, regardless of what we or anyone else does. Isn't that what the passage is indicating that the Highest does? Now, this has to be taken with common sense (because if we do not we will start to claim a contradiction), but the Lord gives to us without expecting much in return. His coming to the earth (John 1:14) was for the salvation of mankind (John 1:29) was, in a sense, regardless of what others were going to do for Him. While He demands our obedience to Him based upon His sacrifice (1 John 4:19, John 14:15), He did so knowing that mankind couldn't do anything for Him (Ephesians 2:8-9, Matthew 20:28). 
     How does that equate to being reliable? Let's answer that with a series of questions. 1) Can my brethren count on me to help with the work of the church, even if I get little to nothing in return? 2) Can my neighbors count on my help in their times of need (whether it is physical, spiritual or emotional need), knowing that I'm not going to hold it over there head with the proverbial "You owe me one" mindset? These answers, if answered truthfully, will tell us whether or not we are being kind to those around us as the Lord is to those seeking Him and His salvation. But, what are some ways in which we can see these answers played out in our lives?

1. Attendance - Can my church rely on me to be there for assemblies?
2. Giving - Can my church rely on me to carry out the command to give as I have been prospered? (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
3. Fellowship - Can my church rely on me to spend time with them, get to know them and help them when they are in need? (Mrs. Jones, a widow, is having to move next weekend and she could really use some help with carrying those boxes...)
4. Evangelism - Can my church rely on me to bring visitors or take a stack of the new evangelism tract/card to pass out?
5. Punctuality - Can my church/neighbors rely on me to be where I say I'm going to be at the times I say I'm going to be there?

Kindness is Being Reasonable - "Benignity," "Mild," "Gentleness," "Pleasant"
     Paul, the apostle which is often characterized by a rough way of teaching people (i.e. sarcasm) was also mild, benign and gentle in his teachings (2 Corinthians 6:1-6). How can these two thoughts be reconciled? He was balanced! There is a fine line between standing for the truth and never wavering and being mean about it. Paul is never said to have attacked the person or to have been malignant toward those to whom he spoke, but at the same time he was going to speak the Truth and never back down from an opportunity to speak that Truth. We have to be very careful, because the moment our mindset turns from teaching to "getting them told", we have lost our kindness!
     What a better illustration of this point than Colossians 3:12-13! When someone does us wrong and we go to them (per the command in Matthew 18), regardless at what step they repent, do we treat them differently and fail to actually forgive? "Well he didn't ask for forgiveness until the whole church knew about it! He's probably just trying to save face!" Who cares! He repented and that's all we have to worry about. Anything else is something far removed from kindness. 

Kindness is Being Respectable - "Moral Excellence"     Peter stated it perfectly, and used the same Greek word under discussion today, when he said that the Christian does not have ungodly practices in his life (i.e. malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, evil speaking, not desiring the Word of God) because he has "tasted," figuratively of course, that the Lord is kind/gracious. If we are to be children of God and act in like manner (cf. Luke 6:31-36) we are going to have the same moral excellence that our Father has! 
     But, that excellence, unlike God's, can be lost. Because we have the ability to allow the outside world to influence our kindness/moral excellence by way of its "evil communications, KJV" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Would you be surprised to realize that the word "good" therein is actually the same word from which we get "kindness"? Therefore, when one applies the Word of God to his life and has the character of a Christian (Fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23) he is going to be a morally excellent person, one to whom people can look for a role model. We never know who is watching us and imitating us, so shouldn't we be kind people? That way we can save ourselves and those that see us (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1)?

     Within the confines of the New Testament are 14 uses of the word translated "long-suffering" in Galatians 5:22. As we continue our study of the Fruit of the Spirit we come to that very word. It is interesting that all 14 references to this outward reputation which fills the life of the Christian based upon his application and obedience of the Word of God given by the Spirit can be placed into one of three categories; fellowship (Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:9-13 and 2 Timothy 3:1-11), preaching/evangelism (2 Cor. 6:1-10, 2 Timothy 4:2 and James 5:10) and salvation (Romans 9:22, Romans 2:4, 1 Peter 3:20, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, 2 Peter 3:15 and Hebrews 6:12). For time purposes, we will study the later category during this article. 

     We start with Romans 9:22. I believe the NASB's translation of the passage is very helpful for the understanding of the sentiment. - "So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?" on the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use? What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power know, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles (Romans 9:18-24, NASB)." With that being read, one can clearly see an insight into the reason for the long-suffering of God with regard to the salvation of mankind. While we "were yet sinners" Christ took to the cross for the salvation of all those who believe on Him (Romans 5:8, John 1:12, John 3:16). The reason for such? While God is one to make known His hatred of sin and the deathly consequences of such (cf. Leviticus 10, Hebrews 10:31), He is also one to show His mercy. Therefore, He waiting, even though mankind couldn't care less what His will was, until the perfect time to send the Christ so as to save as many people as possible, snatching them out of the fires of Hell and bringing Him into His wonderful church. - If that isn't a perfect illustration of the reputation of long-suffering, I don't know what is! A further illustration can be seen within the writing of Peter in his first epistle (1 Peter 3:20-21) were the apostle reemphasizes the long-suffering of God in His waiting some 120 years for the flood to occur so that as many people as possible can be saved.
     "Lee, those illustrations happened within the Old Testament, but is there a hint of such within the New Testament?" Yes! When writing to Timothy, Paul made the statement which is very familiar to many Christians, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief (1 Timothy 1:15)." But are we aware that in the context of that very passage, Paul gives the reason for his acceptance into the role of the apostles? It wasn't because Paul was very well educated, had a large amount of contacts or anything else. It was because he was one of the most horrible sinners to walk the earth, and God wanted everyone to know that He has the power and the willingness to save anyone, regardless of their past. The word which describes this? - "Long-suffering (1 Timothy 1:16)"
     I am not sure whether or not Paul would have become a preacher if he had not been declared an apostle and been inspired to do so. However, I have often wondered why so many ex-cons and once horrible people become preachers and are now faithful servants of the Almighty, in my class in preaching school alone this can be evidently seen. I have a strong feeling that Paul would have been a preacher for the same reason that many today are, because we want everyone to know the long-suffering of God is still available today. What better way to teach people than to say, "Look at me, if He can change me He can change anyone!"
     Would you be surprised to know that the attitude and reputation of long-suffering, while exuding from the nature of God, is commanded to us as well? I would hope not, in light of the Christian life being an extension of that divine nature as well. But, our faithfulness toward God is to be defined as "long-suffering (Hebrews 6:12)" and because of that we ought to endure both our sins and the sins of others, while attempting to show them the Light just as God has done throughout history. Even though He was waiting and working, He was still convicting and converting. 

     When you work with congregations on establishing websites as I do, one thing always comes up, "What do you put as the title for the man/men employed by the congregation to publicly teach the Word of God?" If the man works primarily with the youth the answer is easy, "youth minister". If the man works with families to promote involvement in the congregation the answer is somewhat easy, "family minister/involvement minister". But if the man speaks from the pulpit and takes a leadership role in the education of the congregation the answer gets tricky. There are three main answers to the question; "preacher," "minister" or "evangelist." So, why do I prefer to use the former designation in the work and goings-on of the local congregation? Here are some reasons...

Because the Others Aren't Specific
     Minister, it is a distinguished word isn't it? It conjures up thoughts of a man working with and for the congregation to fulfill the will of God through his constant encouragement and edification of the brethren. It fits! If you have spent even a day in the shoes of your local preacher you know that this is a perfect description of what he does. The day is filled with phone calls, hospital visits, errands and most likely picking up members of the congregation or the community for worship or Bible study. However, there's something that just doesn't fit. You see, the term is used in a number of different times in the New Testament (Acts 13:5, 24:23, 26:16, Romans 13:4, 15:8, 15:16, 15:25, 15:27, 1 Corinthians 9:13, 2 Corinthians 9:10, Galatians 2:17, Ephesians 3:7, 4:29, 6:21, Colossians 1:7, 1:23, 1:25, 4:7, 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 1 Timothy 1:4, 4:6, Hebrews 1:14, 6:10, 8:2, 1 Peter 1:12, 4:10, 4:11) and all of them speak to different rolls and people, not specifically speaking of the man employed by the congregation. Why? Because every Christian is to be a minister. If one were to read all of the above mentioned verses, he would quickly realize that there isn't a single thing mentioned therein that isn't the responsibility of any Christian regardless of the means by which he provides for his family. 
     Evangelist, a word which brings to mind a man working tirelessly to convert those in need and educate those that have obeyed. Men like Philip, the man responsible for speaking to the Ethiopian and baptizing him (Acts 8, 21:8), and Timothy (2 Timothy 4:5) are spoken of in this light. Yet, is that the role of the man of which we have been discussing? Yes and No. In my opinion, it would be detrimental for a man to be called the "worship leader" when other men were capable of leading in the congregational, corporate worship of the assembly on Sundays because it would detract from the responsibility of those other men to take upon themselves leadership roles from time to time within that same worship service. The same can be said of a man being called the "evangelist" when 1) every Christian is commanded to labor for the salvation of the lost (Mark 16:15-16) and 2) every Christian, regardless of whether or not we feel it is the case, is able to do just that!

Because "Preacher" Might Fit Better
     I know the term doesn't carry with it the respect as some other terms, but isn't that what his role is? He is responsible for a large portion of the preaching of the Word of God to the congregation on Sundays during worship and the education of the congregation and community. While it is commanded of every Christian to "preach" (Mark 16:15), that is not to be done by every Christian during the worship times (cf. 1 Timothy 2:11). But what of the evangelism and ministerial work done by this man, it that of no account? Absolutely not! But aren't those things to be understood as the work of every Christian and not of one man per congregation? The difference is that the man under consideration has devoted his life to doing those things and is therefore compensated for his work for the church (1 Corinthians 9:14). 

     Now, I understand that the majority of this article has been opinion and that we ought not take this dogmatically, making laws where the Bible does not. However, these are simply some of this writer's rationale as to why I chose to, if allowed the opportunity to specify, be called a preacher rather than a minister or an evangelist. Plus, I grew a small town in Alabama, and those others just sound too sophisticated for a rough around the edges man like myself. 

     The title says it all. It's a question asked to many preachers today with the same goal in mind, determining when the individual received some word or inkling from the divine to preach. I remember the first time I was asked, I had just started preaching by appointment at area congregations and was planning on attending a preaching school the next fall. It's normally a welling intended line of inquiry, though misguided as we will see. 

Problem #1 - The Statement Assumes Modern Revelation
     Within the question lies the implication that the individual who is now preaching has, at some point in the past, received some sort of revelation instructing him that his role in life is to preach the Gospel. While this may seem harmless to a cursory hearing, it is not a Biblical line of thinking. 
     In order for this to be true, modern revelation must still be a way by which God speaks to His people. However, this cannot be the case since the Bible clearly teaches that one does not receive instruction through such means after the completion of the God-given, inspired word of God, the Bible (1 Corinthians 13:8-10, Ephesians 4:8-16, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3). Even though the person may not believe modern revelation exists today, the question strictly enforces such a belief. A belief, I might add, which has lead much of the denominational world into the false doctrines and concepts plaguing the minds of those to whom the New Testament Christian evangelizes today. If you were to ask any evangelistic Christian today (though "evangelistic Christian" is redundant to say the least) whether or not the belief that God still speaks to and instructs individuals outside of the Bible is one of the main causes for religious error today, the answer would be a resounding yes!

Problem #2 - The Statement Misunderstands the Role of a Christian
     The first problem may be a bit of nitpicking, but this problem is not. You see, the question of when a man received his calling misses the role of the individual Christian by a mile. It is commanded of every Christian to go and to preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16) and while there is a special role of some to be public proclaimers of the Gospel (2 Timothy 4:2ff, James 3:1) that position, if you will, is acquired based upon the heart and decision of the individual in question. It is not that the individual does not feel a strong urge to do so, for to say that is to say that the man is simply doing it because it's something to do which reminds me of the saying, "If you can do anything other than preach...do it!" But the drive to preach originates from the personal experiences (one reason why many preachers were once in denominational error), talents, love for the lost and  intentions (bringing as many people to Heaven with him as possible) held by that man. 
     I am not meaning to suggest that God doesn't bring a man to preach by providential workings, because we cannot know the workings of God in His providing for His people and should not claim that we can, but that the decision to preach is not founded upon some "higher calling" but rather is founded upon the highest calling by which every person is called, the Gospel (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:14). It is required that each Christian preach, some of us simply take it to the next level and make that requirement our vocation. 

     I hope that this article has been informative and encouraging to everyone who reads it. Even though I, or any other modern day preacher, did not receive a communication from a still small voice to go and preach I, and every other New Testament Christian, have the command to do just that. So next time someone asks, "When did you receive your calling" answer, "The day my Lord died on the cross for my sins!"

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