Tuesday, 19th September, 2023
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
“Moral character makes for smooth traveling; an evil life is a hard life. Good character is the best insurance; crooks get trapped in their sinful lust” (Proverbs 11:5-6 MSG).
In Genesis 49, the Bible gives us insight into Jacob’s final words to his sons. In addressing his firstborn, Reuben, Jacob acknowledged the immense potential he possessed. He described him as his firstborn, his might, the beginning of his manly strength and vigour, and emphasized that his birthright gave him the pre-eminence in dignity and power.
However, Jacob highlighted Reuben’s character flaw and how it ruined his future: “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 49:4).
Despite the promises and blessings associated with being the firstborn, and the encomiums of being Jacob’s strength, the strongest of all his sons, Reuben would not attain the greatness he could have achieved.
Your character as a person is very important. It doesn’t matter the prophecies that may have been spoken over your life and who gave them; your character can ruin prophecy, and ultimately, your life, just as Reuben’s character ruined his life.
God’s desire is for the prophecies spoken over your life to come to pass. He wants His good word concerning you to be fulfilled just as He has said. Your role is to recognize His lordship and behave correctly, walking in His righteousness.
How important it is to walk faithfully in alignment with God’s will, in His light, and have an excellent character. Now you can better understand the import of the Spirit’s prayer through Paul in Ephesians 3:16 for you to be strengthened with excellence by the Holy Spirit in your inner man. Hallelujah!
PRAYER/CONFESSION
"Dear Father, I’m aligned with your will and walk in your light faithfully. I recognize the importance of character and living uprightly, according to your Word. Thank you for the wisdom to learn from the examples in Scripture and to make choices that honour you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen."
FURTHER STUDY
Proverbs 11:5-6 KJV; Proverbs 20:11 KJV; Romans 12:2 NIV
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Galatians 3:26-4:1-20 & Isaiah 1-2
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 23:34-43 & 2 Samuel 11-12