Character

True test of character 

 What happens when someone says something to try and discredit you? What happens when people spread rumors and lies about you? Also what if these lies, if believed, have serious consequences, like loosing your job or a relationship? What is your reaction to that?



I can say when that has happened to me, I've wanted to rush to my own defense!
Although that seems like a justified and logical thing to do, that action can bury you in a deeper mess.

As a Christian I believe all the answers on how to deal with difficult situations are in the Bible. In this case I have always looked at King David. In David’s youth, King Saul grew extremely jealous of David. King Saul let that jealousy and bitterness grow in his heart to the point where he tried pinning David to a wall with his spear!! Now the logical thing to do would be to pick up the spear and throw it back. So that’s what made David’s reaction to the whole situation very curious. Instead of taking the “logical” course of action he did just the opposite, he refused to touch King Saul. Even though he would have been justified in defending himself, David chose to let God to handle the situation. He chose to trust in God no matter how bad the situation got and he didn't try splitting the kingdom when he left.

You may think “We have to be bold when facing situations, we can’t just run from our problems!” I don’t suggest you run from your problems, I suggest you trust God. Because anyone can stand up to someone if given the proper motivation, but it takes true boldness to trust God to work on your behalf.

Ask God how to handle the situation, He will always answer and give you a plan of action. Never act out of fear or pride, that is a fools course of action. King David was delivered from Saul and given the kingdom in his youth. Then in David’s old age Absalom threatened to take that kingdom from him. David determined not to throw a single spear, he could have easily quelled that rebellion, but he did not. Once more he left it in God’s hands, and once more God delivered him. David didn't let pride or fear handle the situation, but rather he humbled himself and fully relied on God, even though it was an extremely hard thing to do.

So humble yourself and trust in the Lord. You will not be disappointed or put to shame.