“The true expression of Christian character is not in good-doing, but in God-likeness.”
Oswald Chambers
What words do you desire for people to say about you at your own memorial service? The character traits you wish to hear are those you value and hold dear in your heart. The attributes you want to possess will become a priority for you to develop. Moses had qualities I wish to emulate.
Take a few minutes to read Numbers chapter twelve. Moses’ siblings, Miriam and Aaron, talked against Moses and publicly criticized him. They were jealous of the special relationship Moses had with God. God came to Moses’ defense and listed his characteristics, as if He spoke at Moses’ memorial service.
God recounted how Moses was very humble and meek, more than all the people on earth (verse 3). God described Moses as His servant and that he was faithful in all God’s house (verse 7). God didn’t speak to Moses in a vision or dream; He spoke with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles (verse 8). I’d like to imitate those wonderful features about Moses. Later in the chapter, Moses illustrated his humility.
God was offended by the unkind words Miriam spoke against her brother Moses. God’s anger kindled against them and Miriam became leprous (verses 9-10). Our heavenly Father becomes offended when people speak against His children. Moses could have responded by saying she got what she deserved. Instead, Moses interceded on Miriam’s behalf. He pleaded with God to heal his sister (verse 13).
Moses displayed his meekness by being quick to forgive Miriam. He wanted his sister to be pardoned by God, not punished. “Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13 TLB). My desire is to be like Moses with those who offend me. May I be quick to forgive and to humbly pray for those who hurt me and may I display godly character, just like Moses.
“God has to hide from us what He does, until, due to the growth of our personal character, we get to the level where He is then able to reveal it.”
Oswald Chambers
Relevant Reflections:
How would God describe you to others?
What character traits do you want spoken about you at your funeral?
What actions can you take today to develop the godly character you desire?
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