Guard your character.
Whirlwind of Life
In 1 Samuel 16, we are reminded that God looks at, tests and weighs our hearts. He is pleased with integrity-- an undivided heart. When we look around us and see the heartache and the moral chaos that is the way of the world, we can feel that it’s not worth the effort to walk in righteousness. It’s like we’re in a mudslide and it’s way too easy to slide down the slippery slope of “whatever works” to get us through the whirlwinds of life. When it seems like making the right choices is just too hard, where do we find strength to persevere? What does God say to us in times like these?
Taking Refuge in a Word from God:
“Guard your character.”
When things get difficult, it’s tempting to look for the easy way out, to cut corners, or to pursue the quickest means to an end. You can allow your heart to be taken captive by escapism or opportunism. Crises come and go, but your character must endure.
Our Firm Foundation
Guard your character. The Bible teaches that God often uses difficulties to both test our faithfulness and to shape our character. The whirlwind of trials is where the measure of our faith and devotion meet the grace of God. Through tough times we must persevere to be the person God has called us to be. That means not giving up. It means not looking for short cuts and not trying to escape the pain of the situation. Perseverance means to patiently endure. As we overcome difficulties and face the pressures and trials of life, we develop the godly character to which we’ve been called.
(Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-5; Titus 2:68; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4)
In Case You Missed It