A few years ago, we published an article about “your number.” The content is important enough to explore again with a fresh look – especially considering current global times. Interestingly, everyone uses numbers each day – finances, critical dates, paying bills, trips to the grocery store or gas pump. Then there are birthdays – “how old are you this year?” Incidentally, what’s your number for your tax return this year? So many numbers! Most important, what’s your number that represents your life?
What’s Your Number?
Numbers mean things. Essentially, they measure things, identify patterns, and organize systems.
Some numbers carry individual meanings with them:
- 2 often means companionship.
- 3 may represent a trio/group or a triangular piece – like a sturdy three-legged stool.
- 12 is a dozen.
- 13 is a baker’s dozen.
- 14 used to mean a fortnight – 2 weeks.
- 6 in Scripture stands for “man.”
- 7 in Scripture stands for holy – perfect – complete – God.
Since many numbers symbolize ideas, we often lean into them to communicate a picture. Interestingly, we also lean into numbers in spiritual practices to represent ideas.
Building with 2’s, 3’s, 6’s, and 7’s
Let’s build with 2’s. Simple ideas like –
- You and Jesus are friends forever! Enjoy this privilege.
- You’ll never be alone since His Spirit lives inside you as your dear companion.
- Christ’s relationship is unique and special with each individual. Subsequently, it is unique and special with you.
- In other words, 2 represents Jesus and you.
Or course, 3’s remind of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Consequently –
- You have a true Dad who loves you very much. 2 Cor. 6:18 says, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters.”
- Plus, you have a dear brother, Jesus – the Son. Heb. 2:11 says, “Jesus is not ashamed to call [us] His brothers and sisters!”
- Equally, the Holy Spirit lives inside every person who trusts Jesus for eternal life. In Acts 2:38, Peter says the person who repents and receives Christ, “will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Now, a look at 6’s. The number 6 in Scripture stands for “man.” Subsequently, the more 6’s, the more “man-centered.”
6 + another 6 + a third 6 = 666.
So, a person with a 666 heart has a “man-man-man” heart. Another way of saying that is – “me-me-me.” The Bible uses this number to represent “against Christ.” Anti-Christ. 666. Essentially, this is often used to represent God’s enemy.
We’ll look at 7’s a bit later in this content.
What Identifies A 666 Heart?
What identifiable qualities does a 666 heart display? Naturally, this heart will:
- Forget to be thankful.
- Assume and act like they are “owed.”
- Want to be seen as right, popular, central – and so give a smooth, convincing presentation to others.
- Be a stumbling block to others.
- Migrate toward questionable choices – even evil choices.
- Focus on self rather than on God and others.
- Insist on getting their own way.
- Lie, misrepresent, and deceive – to control and maneuver.
- Never admit when they’re wrong.
- Remain insecure – but they cover it all up with other tactics.
- Approach each day with arrogance they masquerade as confidence.
Most folks struggle with just one – maybe a couple – of those character qualities. Imagine struggling with most or all of them! A person who allows these patterns to become their own chooses to be formed into the matrix of God’s enemy.
Still, God can change anyone – IF they turn to Jesus, repent, and yield to God’s Spirit. Afterall, isn’t that where every Jesus follower starts? You and me, too. So, if you know someone with these qualities, pray for them.
Sadly, many people are self-centered, self-focused, and self-serving. But there is hope! A 666 heart can change.
God’s Number Changes Things.
The person who lives a 666 life needs God’s grace, redemption, and Christ’s transforming power. Of course, that “number change” flows through the cross. Then, when you follow Christ, God changes your number. Essentially, He “marks” you.
Yielding to God’s love and control is the only way to change a 666 heart into 7’s. Interestingly, 7 is God’s number. As you “work out your salvation” (Phil. 2:12) in every life detail, you match all your numbers to the 7 God gave you at Christ’s cross.
To “love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” (Mk. 12:30; Lk. 10:27) nurtures you increasingly into more 7’s. In fact, you actually resemble your Father, His Son (your friend, Jesus), and His sweet Spirit.
Subsequently, whatever your number, we are all indebted to God!
God Is A Perfect 7
When a person receives Jesus and begins to live inside God’s grace, they change –
- Priorities.
- Attitudes.
- Perspective.
- Thoughts.
- Words.
- Decisions.
- Preferences.
- Desires.
This person now has a 7 heart. In Scripture 7 means perfect. Holy.
There’s Work To Be Done
So, becoming a 7 starts by accepting God’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life accomplished through Christ’s cross – which we just covered. Equally, it means matching every thought, attitude, word, and deed with the undeserved 7 of God’s holiness traded out for your 6 when you trusted Christ. But, notice the word used in the previous sentence: “matching.”
This is where partnership with God begins. Upon receiving the undeserved gift of eternal life, there’s work to be done. Salvation is free to you – though it cost Jesus His life. Discipleship, however, costs everything you have.
So, matching describes these requirements –
- Energy.
- Investment – all you have.
- Commitment to Jesus, alone.
- Resolve to live a holy life.
- Creativity to grow and serve God and others.
What Does A “7 Person” Look Like?
A “7 person” is a student of Scripture. God’s Word nurtures 7’s through commands and helpful tips.
A 7 heart has identifiable qualities:
- Grateful for God’s gifts and blessings, even in hard times.
- Serving cheerfully because they owe their very life to God.
- Representing Jesus in the best possible light.
- Having influence over others. Not being a stumbling block.
This Jesus follower invests everything to live as a 7, to add another 7, and then many more 7’s. Essentially, they become more like their Heavenly Father, who is 777. Repeating something 3 times in Scripture often means “whole, complete, or fulfilled.”
Scripture says, “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48) I don’t know about you, but I know that won’t happen in me unless I yield completely to God’s Spirit.
Jesus says, “You are either for Me or against Me. You cannot be in the middle. I wish you were either hot or cold. I will spit lukewarm out.” (paraphrased from Mt. 12:30; Rev. 3:16)
A lukewarm Christian is an insult to God’s grace. That person is a masquerading 666, and does not represent Jesus Christ.
Risks Of A 7 Heart
There’s a risk becoming a 7. Strategically, you become a target for the enemy. Remember, the enemy – spirit of anti-Christ – is 666. But you are choosing to be 7 – like your 777 Father. You become a threat to the enemy’s evil plans – a target.
Nevertheless, as a 7, you’ll find greater endurance and joy in your soul. And you’ll recognize God’s blessings in life – even when you suffer. Christ gives you the purpose of your original design. As you practice more 7’s, you gain Christ’s beautiful character.
Do you want to be increasingly like Christ? Are you willing to be a target?
End Times
One more important idea. The Bible says an “anti-Christ” will rise up against God. It’s possible this will be a specific person. Intriguingly, I suppose it’s possible this could also be as simple as an idea.
The more current culture and world leaders follow their own ideas and disregard God’s principles, the more anti-Christ they become.
Think about it. Whenever you veer off the highway, you end up in the ditch. “Veering off Jesus” puts you in the ditch. He says “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (Jn. 14:6) Subsequently, if you follow other paths, ideas He does not promote, living self-absorbed, self-focused, and self-driven – you’re choosing 666 patterns.
So, it’s possible to be against Christ just by living for self or for current culture.
Application Thoughts And Questions
- Have you agreed with God you were a 6 and trusted Jesus to become a 7?
- In what ways do you still practice 6’s? Be honest.
- Is your heart ever lukewarm toward God and His ways?
- List choices you can make to be more like your perfect Heavenly Father. Why not add more 7’s to your life?
- What do you see around you that is anti-Christ? How can you stand against those ideas – yet still model Christ’s character while doing that?
- Do you know someone personally or through history/news who lives like 666? Do you pray for them?
- Have you considered how to nurture more 7’s in your life? This means bringing everything you think, say, do into submission to God.
The idea of 666 and 777 is developed in a lesson in our book: e-pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant in a Digital Age. This devotional book takes you through 1 & 2 Corinthians with practical ideas to help you grow. Plus, there are lines to journal thoughts.
Order your copy and enjoy a fresh approach to study Scripture!
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