“Character”
Lou Tiscione, Pastor, Weatherford Presbyterian Church (PCA)
A person’s character describes his qualities. The qualities in view concern a person’s morals, ethics, and integrity. The often-used expression, “empty suit,” describes the lack of character. He is a person who lacks a moral compass; is bereft of ethical standards; or is untrustworthy.
There is a standard measure of character. God has revealed it in His word. The Bible provides the true definition of character. The Old Testament contains the history of men of character. The Bible also contains narratives concerning men of weak and deceptive character or if you prefer, “empty suits.”
Joseph and Moses are prime examples of men of godly character. Reading their stories reveals that these men were not perfect. The Bible describes both their faults as well as their virtues.
Genesis 39 is a part of Joseph’s life that reveals his godly character. We are told that Joseph became a successful man. He was put in charge of the household of an officer of the Pharaoh. We read that the LORD was with Joseph. Joseph had an ongoing relationship with God. As a child, Joseph thought that he was especially privileged. As you may recall, his superior attitude angered his brothers to such a degree that they plotted to kill him but ended up selling him as a slave.
Years later, Joseph who walked with the LORD was blessed by Him. He became successful. His character was tested during a comfortable time in his life. The beautiful wife of the officer who entrusted his household to Joseph sought to seduce him. Joseph resisted. Moses recorded what he said. “… “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge… How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”’ Genesis 39:8ff
Even this strong statement did not dissuade the officer’s wife. She persisted and the Bible records Joseph’s action as fleeing from her presence leaving his garment that she grabbed in her hand. The officer’s wife wrongly accused Joseph and her testimony was believed which caused the officer to put Joseph in the king’s prison.
The rest of the story confirms the depth of Joseph’s character. He spent his life trusting in the Lord and pursuing godliness. Joseph’s life foreshadowed that of Christ’s, which is the standard of perfection. Jesus said of Himself, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29
In order to express the kind of character that Joseph did, one must be humble. Humility is a virtue which enables the one who has it to rightly assess himself before God. Jesus said that He was gentle and lowly in heart. The word from which both gentle and lowly are derived can also be translated as humble.
The Apostle Paul wrote of Jesus’ humility in Philippians 2:6-11. Even though He was God, He did not consider Himself to be equal to God, but He humbled Himself by taking upon Himself human nature. Jesus’ humility extended to obeying the Father even to death upon the cross.
The human author of the story of Joseph was himself a humble man. Moses wrote of himself, “Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.” Numbers 12:3 The Spirit of God inspired Moses to write these words about himself when his leadership was challenged by two people who were the closest to him. In other words, this was God’s testimony of the character of Moses.
Like Joseph, Moses’ life demonstrated his trust in the LORD. Even when Moses sinned and God forbid him to enter the Promised Land, he endured the consequence of his sin and continued to obey God.
Character is the measure of a man or a woman. Behavior reveals character and it matters profoundly. People of character are humble and can be trusted and possess a godly moral compass. Their character is seen over time.
Jesus said that citizens of the Kingdom are salt and light, Matthew 5:13-16. Christians demonstrate that they are salt and light by their godly character. God has commanded His people to be holy because He is holy. The church is different from the world. May your light shine as people see your godly character for God is building you up in Christ for His glory.
