Today’s Reading, Genesis 25-26
Focal Scripture: Genesis 26:10 “Then Abimelech said, “What have you done to us? One of the people could easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.””
The other day we discussed how Lot was a man of questionable character. Today we examine how to be a man of good character. One of the greatest parts about the Bible is that it does not hide the flaws of the people that are mentioned. If you remember Abraham lied about his wife Sarah and said that she was his sister. Now Isaac lies about his wife Rebekah and says the same thing to Abimelech. However, Isaac is caught caressing his wife by the King.
In today’s reading we encounter Abimelech having greater character than Isaac. He is more concerned about Rebekah than her husband. He is more concerned about doing what is right than the people called by God. It is very possible that this is the same King that Abraham lied to about his wife. If that is true he has to question their honesty and their allegiance to the Lord. Thankfully, Abimelech knew what was right and what not willing to compromise his character. He had a standard that would not be shaken.
So what about you? Do you have a character that can’t be shaken? It is easy to say that is the case until you are confronted with an opportunity to compromise. I have been around people before he portray standards until life gets difficult. Especially if that standard makes life more difficult for them personally. For instance, I have witnessed people declare that leadership demands doing the right things even when it is difficult. Then when it comes time to defend decisions they make excuses or act as if other people are violating some unwritten rule.
These people who lack character destroy their own testimony and hurt the cause of Christ. However, people with good character, that can be trusted, send a message of hope and honor. Whenever you run across a person who makes character a priority it impacts you in a mighty way. These are people who refuse to speak ill of any individual. They are always gracious and compassionate. They have a standard that demands holiness. Not because they demand it but because they follow the one who has perfect character.
My challenge to you today is to be a person of great character. Don’t compromise your standard for anyone or anything. Even if it costs you personally. Good character and reputation matter more than you will ever know. Be a person of good character that holds the line even when others refuse to do so in their own lives.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Genesis 27-29
