THE FINAL QUESTION

A pastor narrated a unique experience once: A young man who used to work in their ministry office got an appointment with a financial institution. The financial institution sent a reference form to the ministry office that they had to fill and attest to.

After answering all questions, the final question was, “If you get a chance to employ him again, would you?”

That was a powerful final question. You either had to lie or you simply tell them the truth. If you say things like “it depends”, you have wrecked the chances of the young man.

What is the lesson there?

First, character counts. Joseph went through intense tests of character:

“Until the time came to fulfil his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.”

Psalms 105:19 NLT

One of the sterling records in scripture about Joseph states thus:

So, Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing—except what kind of food to eat! Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man Genesis 39:6 NLT

Second, you would be tested with small things. You will be tested with another man’s thing or things that are not your own. A lot of people keep failing character tests.

Third, God is looking out for men of Character and not just men of charisma. God knows when you speak, people develop goose pimples but He also knows that you cannot take your eyes off things that are not yours. He knows that you exaggerate your testimonies. He knows that you borrow things but never return them. He knows you make promises that you do not intend to keep.

Character defects will always put limits on a man. Men cannot trust you with resources and God cannot trust you with assignments.

What do you have to deal with now? Do not use giftedness to cover the cracks. Talent can take you to the top but only character will keep you there.

temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa.