The Source of Character
Posted on March 5, 2007
Filed Under Christian Growth
Imagine a giant oak growing on a hill, seemingly immune to danger. It appears strong, healthy and full of vitality, at least outwardly. But now imagine a strong thunderstorm with high winds ripping across the hill, tearing the massive oak from its perch. You see, the huge tree could not withstand the stress of the high winds because of the deterioration on the inside. What started out as a tiny corruption at the center spread until the tree was so weak that it was destroyed by the wind.
Men and women are like that too. Sometimes we may look spiritually strong and healthy on the outside, but we may actually be decaying on the inside. The decay may have started with a one small lie, or just one time staying in bed for some extra sleep instead of assembling to worship God. But before we know it, we find ourselves vulnerable to the forces of evil that howl around us like gale-force winds, seeking to tear us down.
In order to stand under such forceful outside stresses, we need to have a strong “center,” with no decay at all. How do we do this? Psalm 119:9-11 gives us a good plan for staying pure:
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.”
This passage teaches us that our “centers” (hearts) can be strengthened to maintain ourselves in purity by keeping God’s word. And with pure hearts we will be able to stand the stress of temptation and the stress of everyday living.
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