Thought for the Month

Jane Austen was born on 16 December 1775 in Steventon, Hampshire. She is renowned for her works such as "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," "Emma," "Mansfield Park," "Northanger Abbey," and "Persuasion." Her novels are celebrated for their keen social commentary and wit, offering insights into British society during the early 19th century.

Her novels often include discovering the character of the men and women who are of marriageable age and sometimes even the characters of their parents. Pride and Prejudice examines how pride and prejudice presents and can be addressed and resolved.

The song of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:3 condemns speech that by those who speak "exceedingly proud." The King of Assyria is denounced for his pride in Isaiah 10 thinking it was of himself and his commanders rather than by permission of God. The disciples of Jesus on the day of the Last Supper discussed who would be the greatest of Jesus’ disciples. That was improper pride. John warns of the "pride of life" (1 John 2:16) in this present life for God resists the proud. (James 4:6)

John Mark’s character flaws have been a matter of discussion too. In Acts 15:36‑40 Paul and Barnabas disputed whether to take Mark with them or not and this was not handled well by Paul and Barnabas. It has been intimated that it was because he left Paul on his first missionary journey. (Acts 13:13)

Patience is another virtue which James says we should exercise all the more as we get to the culmination of this age. He says, "Be patient, therefore, brothers…See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts…Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful." (James 5:7‑11 ESV)

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond. Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace) and be thankful." (Col.3:12‑15 NET)

One aim of the Christian now should be to develop their Christian character to be like our Lord and master Jesus Christ. As potential brides of Christ we should develop that character that will attract our potential groom.

Don’t wait until tomorrow to deal with your character… "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Rom.12:21)