Earnest

What do you think when you hear the word earnest?  Sincerity, seriousness, importance, purposeful, determined are all synonyms for earnest.  The online dictionary defined earnest as a word of “Canaanite origin” derived from “money paid in advance as part payment to bind a contract or bargain”. Next I looked in a Bible Dictionary and found earnest listed as a Hebrew word used generally for pledge, and in its similar forms for surety, and hostage. The secular dictionary used the term “Canaanite” while the religious dictionary used  “Hebrew”. It is interesting that the Hebrew people lived in the land of Canaan. Even dictionary compilers feel they must be politically correct in today’s society.

Continuing the discussion of earnest; the Hebrew word has simply passed into the Greek and Latin languages, probably through commercial dealings with the Phoenicians, the great trading people of ancient days. Its general meaning is that of a pledge or token given as the assurance of the fulfillment of a bargain or promise. It also carries with it the idea of forfeit, such as is now common in land deals. In other words, the one promising to convey property, wages or blessing binds the promise with an advance gift or pledge evident of the quality of the benefit to be bestowed. If the agreement is concerning wages, then a part of the wages is advanced; if it is regarding land, then “earnest money” given to the purchaser or beneficiary may stand as the pledge of final and complete conveyance of the property. Earnest from old English now is translated honest or sincere.  The opposite of earnest would be superficial or frivolous…not attractive traits.

In the New Testament the word is used to signify the pledge or “earnest” for the blessings of the future life in Heaven. The reference is to the work of the Spirit of God in our hearts being a token and pledge of perfect redemption and a heavenly inheritance. There is more than the idea of security in the word as used, for it clearly implies the continuity and identity of the blessing.

   

1 Cor 1:21-22  “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”

We have the responsibility to earnestly seek God’s Spirit:

Hebrews 11:6  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Dear God:  Please be with us today as we earnestly seek your Spirit and grace.  May my activities of the day serve others and please you.

Sherilyn Svien

Stephenville, TX