RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 19 SUNDAY OCTOBER PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME TOPIC: CULTIVATE AN EXCELLENT CHARACTER Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch (Genesis 49:3-4). It’s possible for someone to have so much ability or be gifted with a certain skill, yet when such a skill is required, that individual isn’t chosen, because he or she doesn’t have the right character. If you’d build your mind and develop the right mental structures, sooner or later, you’ll see the manifestations in your personality. Mental structure in this context, doesn’t mean imaginations and reasoning; rather, it means attitudes that you’ve cultivated over time that control your actions. For instance, someone may have a great voice but he’s unable to make good music. Not because his voice isn’t fantastic, but because he’s not trained and disciplined to make the most of his gift. We read about Reuben in our opening scripture. Reuben’s character and ability collided. He was the beginning of Jacob’s strength, the excellence of his wisdom. That means Jacob invested so much in him, but he was unstable as water; therefore, he wasn’t going to excel. The Hebrew word for unstable is Pachaz, which also means frothiness, to be unrestrained and undisciplined. Reuben was undependable as foamy water. He had the ability to be someone influential and prosperous, but his character wouldn’t let him excel. The ability to take on more assignments because of your performance is an excellent character. That means, you’re dependable and when there’s an innovation to be actualized, you readily come to mind. But there’re those who are never thought of, to handle responsibilities, because they aren’t dependable. Become the best of you by cultivating the right character. Inside you are hidden treasures; you came into this world with a unique personality. There’s something you possess that nobody else in the whole world has; hence it’s important to find your place, and be the best of that peculiar you. Prayer Dear Father, I thank you for the investment of your Word in me, and the training that I receive through the Spirit, which has helped me form an excellent character. I recognize and take advantage of your grace in me to do more, and attain higher heights of greatness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Further Study: Psalms 119:9; Daniel 6:3; Acts 20:32 : 1 Timothy 1:1-20 Jeremiah 5-6 : Hebrews 9:11-28 Ezekiel 17
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 07:37:11 +0000
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