Adjectives

“They desired to be on their own, to take care for their own future, to plan for pleasure and for security. They wanted to be nouns, but they were, and eternally must be, mere adjectives.” (--from The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis)

We want to be nouns: Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer, Mother, Father, Wife, Writer, Teacher, etc.

We don’t mind if someone uses an adjective to describe us, as long as it enhances the above nouns. For example: great doctor, successful lawyer, wonderful mother, dedicated father, etc.

We strive to become nouns and perhaps modify these roles. We want to be ‘doers’ of verbs—the subject in sentences of our own construction. However, we are meant to be adjectives that glorify God, not ourselves.

What are some of the most common adjectives that are used to describe God?

Holy—set apart

Faithful—reliable, trustworthy

Compassionate—empathetic and having a strong desire to alleviate suffering

Loving—gracious, kind, caring

 

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do…(Ephesians 5:1 NLT)

Cultivating these characteristics in ourselves is a good start—as long as our intention is not merely to enhance our own self-image.    

I don’t want to have a defined identity apart from God. I don’t want to leave my own mark, but to be a part of whatever God is drawing.