Character or Hypocrit?

Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. ~ Psalm 105:19 (NLT)

An old gentleman came everyday to the nursing home to hand feed his wife that had Alzheimer’s, her lunch. One day a nurse asked him why he came and did that for her because she had no idea who he was. He replied, “I do it because I know who she is.”

Character; the Hebrew terms used in this verse mean the act of refining; a process in which dross is separated from silver so that you end up with a pure substance. Our English dictionaries have one definition that states that character is a distinguishing feature or attribute. My definition of character is simple; it is the real you. It is who you are when no one is watching. It is what you actually think and not what you actually say. It is who you really are in Christ; not just who you want others to think you are. Joseph was tested with time and trials. Wait upon the Lord the Bible says. I have a tough time waiting at red lights. We live in a drive through world. Pull up to the speaker, order, go to the window and pay, pull up to the next window and get the bag of grub. We want it right and we want it right now. This attitude has crept into our faith. Dr. Luke tells us that many times people were healed immediately. The Apostle Paul tells us that his eyes were never completely healed after being blinded. Commitment and character go hand in hand. Joseph was committed to God, Jesus was committed to God, and Paul was committed to God. All three had their character tested. They did not go on Facebook and complain about their problems as to seek sympathy or glory for their situations. They endured as good soldiers of God. Paul said, “I thank God for my weaknesses, because in them His strength is glorified!” Character is the fruit of commitment. Hypocrisy is the fruit of fake commitment. Joseph never became bitter because of his situation. Paul never blamed his teachers for not teaching him the truth. Jesus never blamed us for having to go to the Cross. It was not my fault He had to die for my sins; He died for me because He loves me and was committed to redeeming me. His character was without flaw because His obedience was without flaw. His commitment never waivered. His love never diminished. Joseph was a type Christ. He was falsely accused, punished unjustly, and yet showed mercy to his enemies.

Are you up against it today? Maybe God is testing your commitment. Maybe He is testing your character.