What a Character.

"Character, like a photograph, develops in darkness"- Yousup Karsh (Canadian Photographer)


Psalm 105:17-19

New Living Translation (NLT)

Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them—
Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
They bruised his feet with fetters
and placed his neck in an iron collar.
Until the time came to fulfill his dreams,
the LORD tested Joseph’s character.

Character, yes I have been called one, many times, I am not sure if that is good or not:) But what is Character? Websters has several definitions, but this one stuck me the most:" one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual "

Yes, we are all different characters in this world. We are made up of different opinions, we have gone through different things, raised by different characters......these have all helped form who we are, our character. You can have good Characteristics of bad. People can respect you or not, depending upon your character. But when the "Rubber hits the Road" and your character is revealed, where are you, usually in a dark, trying, serious place. God tested Joseph by letting him go through some pretty bad things. When does character show up? When there is trouble. A high school football player may be OK, not great during his high school days, a college may or may not give him a scholarship, but then something happens during a game, two players of the same position got hurt, and now there was no one except this kid to take the field. This so-so high school player shows the coaches he can really play, he has "Character" on the field. No one saw it during high school, because he did not get that many chances to play. But, wow, look at him now. The shyest quietest private of the unit, the one no one knows very well, because he keeps to himself, doesn't cuss, doesn't drink, you know "the Kid"? Well during an ambush, he risks his life for other men, he saves 3 guys that are shot and have no way out, he shows his Character when the pressure is on, the darkness is all around. Now, the whole unit shows respect for "The Kid" because he showed his true character.

Are you a man of Character? Good or Bad we all show the world and our families, our self, and God our true character. I used to be real good at having more then one character. There was the one I used around my folks, the one I used at church, the one I used at work, the one I used around my wife and kids.........You see, I was not really any of these characters, I was living many lies, trying to make everyone what I thought they wanted me to be. It took years, but I found out God only cares about the character I really am, bad parts and all, He loves ME> He is slowly, in His way, showing me that I do have Character, and he is unveiling what it is like. I am enjoying it, but at the same time it is scarey. For the first time in my life I am discovering Who I am in God. Who God made me to be. God has given me such a heart for the lost. I look at someone on the street and I see someone who may not know the Lord Jesus Christ and may not have a reason for joy because they don't know their destination after this world. I, over the last few years, care about people much more then I ever have before. I used to consider myself a friendly person, I could carry own a conversation with just about anyone on just about any topic. But it was just a conversation, now I want to learn more about them, I want to know their thoughts, their dreams,their fears, what they think about Jesus, the "After life", things like that. I don't want to get into a argument about religion, I just want to let them know, I care. You know the funny part? I REALLY do care. God has put this characteristic into me, it has always been a part of me,but lately it has become a larger part of me.

Yes I still have some of those not so great Characteristics also, like most of us, but God is showing me where they are, and patiently removing them as I allow Him to. What is Character made of? I think Wisdom, Faith, Common Sense, and not being Selfish and especially having good morals, are the most important attributes of Character. This is my list, you can make up your own if you want.

Have you ever heard of an actor who is trying to develop their Character? They are playing a Character on a TV show, in a Movie or some other form of the Arts. Maybe the character or the whole production is new. The Characters have not been established, so they have to establish them. Ever watch a early episode of a TV show you really like, one that has been own for years? The acting seems lousy, the characters are all so shallow, it just seems not nearly as good as the current season. Why? Because the actors have developed the characters, they have given them "Back Stories" the writers have written stories that make the characters deeper. The whole story line of the show is deeper, you have invested hours of your life studying these stories and characters.

That is how it works in real life, too. As we grow our Character comes out. Experiences form us, our family, friends, enemies, relationships, co workers, jobs, different parts of the country/world we live in, ALL form our character.

But, just like Joseph, God, and the World for that matter, will test our character.

It's fun to be A Character, I have been "goofy", fun, a joker, all my life. Telling jokes that most of the time are "so-so" but once in a while I find a pretty good one. Many years ago I had a date, (Yeah, really) I use humor especially when I am nervous, and I was nervous, my date was very pretty and I felt a little intimidated). Anyway I started singing this goofy song I had heard on a cartoon, (I was still in college, so watching cartoons was still allowed, right? Now that I am in my 50's, it is allowed again? right?) I don't remember the song something about a funny looking vulture who would sing about bringing back a worm to the nest, when all his brothers brought back small animals and such. Two or three years later I saw my date from that night again, (I had dropped out of school). We talked and reminisced, and she told me how much my "goofiness" had put her at ease that night. She said I showed her who I was, when most guys she went out with tried to put on a act of how "cool" they were. I must admit right here, I never was or will be "Cool". Goofy, yes, bad joke teller? Yes, but never cool.

See, Character, it comes in many forms, BUT it is what makes us who we are. It is what others see when they get to know us. It is what our kids see as they grow up, it is what the Lord see's in us, as we live for Him, or not.

What would your co workers say, your friends, your family members.....if asked about your character? But more importantly what does God say about it? If it is in His will to test your character, how will it end up?

How do we get good Character? Here's a good start:

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Check on your character, ask God to help you see it, ask Him to make it more like Joseph's, or King David, or Jesus' or His. Be of Good Character.