In the Books of Numbers and Joshua we read of a man named Caleb.  The life of Caleb, in ways, is like the life of a Christian.  If you are not familiar with Caleb, read Numbers 14-15 and Joshua 14:6-14.  Here are the ways that Caleb’s life is similar to ours today.

Caleb was once in bondage

Just like all of the other Israelites, Caleb was once enslaved in Egypt.  He was subject to whatever the Egyptians willed to be done.  He escaped this bondage with the rest of the Israelites after the last of God’s plagues was carried out, leaving the entire first born of Egypt dead.  Christians today have formerly been in bondage.  We have been enslaved to sin but now we are set free. God took the first born of Egypt to free the Israelites but he has given his only son Jesus the Christ to free us.

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
(John 8:34-36 KJV)

Caleb was wondering in the wilderness

Even though Caleb was free he was not home.  Caleb wondered in the Wilderness for 40 years and battled in Canaan for 45 years before he received his inheritance.  Yet, he was patient.  Those who have put on Christ are free but not home.  We are wondering in the wilderness so to speak.  This earth is only a temporary place for us. It has it’s shining moments but this life is full of challenges to overcome and can be wearisome.  We have to be patient like Caleb and keep our minds fixed on our inheritance.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
(John 14:1-3 KJV)

Caleb was a positive thinker who placed his faith in God

Caleb was different from the other men who went to spy out he land of Canaan.  He brought back a positive report.  He new that he Israelites could have overcome what seemed to be overwhelming odds as long as God was on their side.  This life has its challenges but there is nothing that we cannot overcome.  With Jesus and God on our side, who can stand against us?  This is the manner in which we should be thinking.

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
(Mark 10:27 KJV)

Caleb was strong in his old age

Caleb stated that he was as strong when he was 85 years old as he was when he was 40.  In fact, he was strong enough to go battle for his inheritance.  While we will not likely be as physically strong in our old age, we can be spiritually strong.  In fact, we can become even stronger spiritually.  This is one area where we can always grow in faith and strength.  We should desire to be spiritually strong in our old age so that as we grow older we are continuing to work to strengthen ourselves.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
(Ephesians 6:10 KJV)

Caleb was focused on the future

Caleb was looking forward to the day when he would receive his inheritance.  It is something he took very seriously.  After 45 years he it was given to him.  We too must be concentrating on the future.  It is easy to put great care and planning into the short term but we must focus on the life to come if we are to achieve it.Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
(Matthew 6:19-21 KJV)

Caleb received an inheritance because he was faithful to God

All of the Israelites except Caleb and Joshua were deprived of their inheritance.  Only Caleb and Joshua were able to go into the Promised Land with their children.  All of the other Israelites of their age perished in the wilderness.  This was because of their dedication and faithfulness to God.  We also must be faithful to God if we expect to see our inheritance in Heaven.  Wouldn’t it be a shame if we wondered on this earth our entire life and didn’t get to be in Heaven?  We have to remain faithful to God just as Caleb and Joshua did.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
(James 1:12 KJV)

Conclusion

So as we can see, many Caleb had many traits that a Christian should have in their his or her life.  It is good to take such examples and contrast them with our lives.  Are we living like Caleb?