Character is Tested

Testing Character

I am grateful for those things
That remind me I have your genes
Virtue, Integrity, Character
Which money cannot acquire;

Yet each day comes with its challenges
Testing these desirable qualities
Showcasing illusive rewards
Resulting from doing wrong;

But I cannot disregard
The promptings in my heart
To do the right things
No matter what the short term brings;

So I ask for your wisdom
To know the right from wrong
I ask for the ability
To say no with ease
And I ask for your peace
Not to bother about my pick
And faith to know
There is beauty in the morrow.

The Inspiration
It was easy to say no the first and second time. Easy to say no to those things contrary to whom he was as a child of God. Anthony insisted that he was not going to “sort” to pass any course. But after seeing that his singularity was not being fruitful, he had to ponder on the alternatives. He had three carry-overs already by the third year because he had not paid the bribe. An additional carry-over would mean an extra year (in an institution so difficult to pass through!!!). If it was you, sincerely, what will you do? The question he directed at God was, “why will those doing the wrong thing succeed? Is that not enough incentive for me to follow suite?” And the simple answer he got in his spirit was “I have been young and I have been old but I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging bread”. The word gave him peace and strengthened him. Today, he is so successful that nobody knows whether he spent 4 years or 5 years in the university (he did not have an extra year by the way). Nobody knew his struggle to choose right from wrong.

That "everybody" is doing something does not mean it is right. And it is very reassuring to know that we have the Holy Spirit who will teach us all things [John 14:26]. So even when you do not think that something is wrong because you entered into a system where it was taken as normal, somehow the Holy Spirit will teach you right from wrong. Making the decision to do what is right in the midst of apparent successes of wrong can be painful, trying and sometimes disheartening. But your light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory [2 Corinthians 4:17]. It is a much peaceful feeling when you know you’ve done the right thing. Glory be to God, for HE is faithful that promised [Hebrews 10:23]. You cannot quantify the magnitude of HIS blessings when you do the right thing [Deuteronomy 7:12 – 8:1].

As a child of God, you are different. HE said, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate…And touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters” [2 Corinthians 6: 17-18]. Why trade this promise for a temporary satisfaction?

You are only human to wonder why those choosing to do wrong seem to be prospering. Job wondered too [Job 21:7]. But he also mentioned why he should not envy them [Job 21:17-26]. There is no need to focus on their own prosperity when you have yours that is everlasting and does not come with sorrow [Proverbs 10:22].

Beloved Child of God, you take after your Almighty Father in character, virtue and integrity. Even though saying “No” to some things today may seem painful and you cannot see the immediate benefit, always remember that the righteous would never be forsaken nor his seed ever beg bread [Psalms 37:25]. And all things work together for good to them that love God [Romans 8:28].

Have a blessed day.