“That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:7)
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Character Matters! These words of Peter are as relevant to our day as they were in Peter’s day. If Character doesn’t matter than neither does a word we say matter, neither do the words of politicians or teachers or journalist or statesmen.
Reputation is what you are when everybody’s’ looking. Character is what you are when no body’s looking. Job was a man of high character and as a result was held in high regard by God. While he was sitting on that ash pile scrapping his boils with a broken piece of potsherd, after he had lost his health wealth and public reputation he said; “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold “ (Job 23:10).
Just as most people do, whether Christian or not, Job appealed to heaven for relief from his troubles (v. 3). Job felt he was suffering unjustly and wanted to state his case before God (v. 4), but more importantly, Job desired to know God’s will in the matter. ” I would know the words which He would answer me, And understand what He would say to me” (V.5). He knew God well enough to know that God had a purpose in his suffering, and Job asked for knowledge of that purpose. Job knew God’s goodness; that He would not punish him for his questions, and felt that greater understanding would give him strength to continue. But without God’s revelation, Job knew he was unable to understand or even find God (vv. 8-9). God mercifully and lovingly allows trials to discipline, guide, and develop us. Such trials will, in the end, work to our advantage as impurities are removed, leaving behind only that which is lasting and precious.
The goal of our lives should be to bring “praise and honor and glory” unto our Lord, and if tribulation can best accomplish these goals, so be it! As David said, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word” (Psalm 119:67). God knows what is best for us. He knows what He is doing, and we can rest in that fact.
A good character is the best tombstone. When all the forget-me-nots are withered away, when all the gifts and cards have disappeared like daisies in the wind; it is character and integrity not carved into marble, but carved in the hearts of others that will outlive them all.
In all of his sufferings Job did not lose his character or sin with his lips. (See Job 1:22, 2:10, 42: 8-17)
Remember God Is Only A Prayer Away.
Be Blessed:
Pastor Bob