Proven Character

Romans 5:3, 4

Paul, when writing to the Roman Christians, invited them to rejoice in their tribulations because it was only in those trials that true patience could be developed. Consequently we often remind one another not to pray for patience because of the hardship that such a prayer will likely evoke. However, God is committed to our spiritual development, a maturity that requires patience. Trials will come whether we pray for patience or not. In fact, Paul goes on to say that our patience or perseverance is the only way that our character can be proven. Anyone can behave properly, talk spiritually, or claim faith when all is going well. It’s only in tribulation that the “stuff” of our spiritual maturity is exposed.

Tribulation comes in many forms. It may be a challenge to our financial security, a personal failure, a betrayal of a friend, personal loss, unanswered prayer, physical struggle, or even tragic circumstances. It is our response under these conditions that will truly prove our progress in the journey toward Christ-like character. David, a man after God’s own heart, provides for us a model of the proper way to handle and patiently persevere in the midst of trial.

First, when confronted by his personal sin, a tribulation of great significance, David did not deny but repented. He did not seek to garner support from those who would point out his rights as King or downplay his failure. He didn’t wallow in self-pity, but instead he repented with no strings attached thus proving his character.

Second, when pride, arrogance, and self-absorption led him to disobey God by carrying out the forbidden census, he took ownership for his failure, placed no blame on others, and yielded himself to the justice and mercy of God.

Thirdly, when his enemies accused him, he refused to cry “foul”, cower in self-pity, or plead his case to God. Instead he saw the hand of God in the trial and submitted himself to Divine chastening.

Finally, even when his son was sick unto death, David did not crumble. He fasted and prayed, declared his trust in God, and yielded to His sovereignty.

Godly character is hard to find in the people of God today. Most of us excel at denial, self-absorption, blame-placing, and self-pity. We boast a faith that trusts God only when He acts as we would desire. But God wants to develop and prove our character through trials and tribulation. He is committed to our spiritual development. May we, like David, learn the power of yielding instead of resisting, repenting instead of denying, and self-denial rather than self-preservation.