The Noble Life

I was killing some time yesterday (yes, I do that occasionally) by channel surfing.  I stopped on a profile/tribute to the great actor Burt Lancaster.  Mr. Lancaster played in some great old films.  My two favorites are From Here to Eternity and Elmer Gantry.  The narrator, director John Frankenheimer described Lancaster as honest, rebellious, rugged, athletic, handsome, intelligent, professional, genuine, a true and loyal friend.  He also said that, “He walked the walk and talked the talk.”  These were all really wonderful things to say and reveal some of Lancaster’s character.  However, the last comment by Frankenheimer is what caught my attention and led me to do some thinking.  Frankenheimer said of Lancaster, “He lived a noble life.”  Here is the link if you want to watch it for yourself:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgm47U_TVwk

     I don’t know about you but if I die before the Lord returns that’s what I want people to say about me, “He lived a noble life.”   Just what does it mean to live a noble life?  Well, as Christians it is important that our worldview and life choices be firmly rooted in God’s Word.  Therefore, I did a brief search for the word “noble” in Scripture.  The verse I want to share comes from the book of Isaiah,

     “But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands.”  Isaiah 34.8 (ESV)

The Hebrew word translated “noble” is nadiyb.  It can mean to be princely in rank, princely in mind and character and it can also mean willing and generous.  It is the idea of being “princely” in mind and character that Isaiah had in mind when he penned the above verse.  The English equivalent of nadiyb could be defined as “excellence”.  We know from the Apostle Paul that not too many of the “high born” nobility found their way into the church (see I Corinthians 1. 26-31).  So in the Christian sense nobility must refer to character traits and actions as opposed to a bloodline or excellence in character.   However, one must not forget that our Father is a king which makes us spiritually speaking royal nobility. 

     So what does it mean to live a noble life?  Let me offer several things s that Christians ought to think of when they think of living a noble life.

1.       Possess a noble bearing.  A Christian should carry oneself with dignity.  This means that manners and speech are very important.  A Christian should not resort to crude language or a slovenly appearance or mannerisms. 

2.      Possess a noble cause.  You have the words of life, the Gospel, the good news; you are commissioned by Christ to share it.  I can think of no other cause that is nobler.  Within the context of mission and ministry there are many other noble things on which to stand: advocacy of those who are unable to defend themselves (abused women and children for example, or the homeless, or disables veterans).  Being noble means helping the less fortunate.

3.      Possess a noble conscience.  This means honesty in all things. 

Possess a noble mind.  There are a lot of things in this world to learn.  The noble person discerns what is good and what is bad and dwells only on the good.  This involves reading good literature, appreciating good art, and seeking noble conversation. 

These are just a few thoughts and suggestions.  I’m sure you have some to share.  Please live your ideas on living the noble life in the comment section.