February 4, 2022 - Genesis 38-40
Conduct is what we do; character is what we are. When no one is watching, what is our life like or where do our thoughts drift? The life that we live is but a mirror of our inner man and reveals the condition of our heart.
The comparison between Judah and Joseph is seen in the choices and lifestyles that each lived. Judah began to wander from the teachings of his father and moved away from his brothers as he grew older. Suddenly it was reported that he had married a Canaanite woman and his sons were raised in a way that indicates he was not following closely with the Lord. The sons did acts that were displeasing to the Lord and soon the Lord saw fit to have them killed. Shortly after this, his wife died, and he was suddenly a widower. Instead of being a man of his word and keeping his promises, he became manipulative and deceptive. His conduct displayed his character.
Joseph, even as a youth, displayed an inner quality of integrity and continued this uprightness throughout his life. Each negative circumstance he faced, displayed his desire to be obedient to the Lord. Despite being sold into slavery, falsely accused, thrown into prison and forgotten by those he helped; he maintained a solitary focus of pleasing the Lord whom he served. His conduct remained constant because his character did not succumb to temptations.
It has been stated that character is the state of the heart. Regardless of the difficulty or temptation, Joseph maintained the right heart attitude. This enabled him to overcome difficult situations and provide his captors, employers and even his enemies with the very best he had to offer. That was not to say there were days Joseph struggled with doubt or feelings of abandonment, but his constant desire was to please his God.
Warren Wiersbe stated, "If the Lord controls us, it makes little difference who commands us." The one that is in charge of our heart will direct the actions and attitude of our lives! Regardless of our circumstances, our actions will reveal our character!