Building Character

Building character is an essential part of preparing for greater responsibility. The story of Joseph is an excellent biblical example of how God prepares a person for greater responsibility.

Joseph was comfortable being the favorite in his father’s house. He wore better clothing and enjoyed a special place in his father’s heart. He could have remained content with that position.

But God had a greater plan for him.

You too may be content with your present circumstances. Many of us settle for a lesser role than God intends for our lives. Sometimes God allows us to experience conflict and difficulty, as Joseph did, in order to bring us into the fullness of our potential in Him.

Joseph stood to inherit a great deal from his father. Because he was Jacob’s favorite son, it was very likely that he would have received a significant inheritance.

But God had more in mind for Joseph.

Joseph would eventually be entrusted with resources and responsibility far beyond anything he could have inherited from his father’s household.

Yet before Joseph could arrive at that place, his character had to be developed.

He was sold into slavery in Egypt. He was wrongly accused. He was imprisoned.

But Joseph did not forget the dreams God had given him when he was young.

Even in the face of apparent defeat, he continued to believe God and maintain his integrity and character.

When Joseph was a slave, he had a heart to be the best he could be.

When he was in prison, he became an exemplary prisoner.

His circumstances changed, but his character remained.

And this is important for us.

If God is going to entrust greater resources, opportunities and responsibilities to us, we must become people of integrity.

Prosperity without character can become destructive. Proverbs 1:32 warns us that “the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.”

God knows what we are capable of carrying.

He is not interested in giving us something that will eventually destroy us. Rather, He is interested in developing us, strengthening us and building our character until we reach the place where we can faithfully handle whatever He chooses to entrust to us.

So here is a question for you today:

How is the character-building process coming along in your life?

Perhaps some of the situations you are experiencing are not simply obstacles standing between you and your destiny.

Perhaps God is using them to prepare you for it.

Joseph could not see the palace from the prison. But God was preparing the man who would one day be able to handle the responsibility of the palace.