"Character" literally means" to stamp and engrave through pressure." This sums up nicely what God is doing in our lives.
God's plan is to make each person like Him. Romans 8:29 tells us that God has predestined that we are to be conformed into the image of Christ. He is building His character within us, or you might say, He is stamping and engraving upon us His image. In so doing, He often uses pressure.
The fifteenth chapter of the gospel of John tells us that Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches, and the Father is the vine-dresser. What happens to every branch that does not bear fruit? It is cut away, then dries up and is finally burned. What happens to every branch that bears fruit? He prunes it. Therefore, no matter what we do we are going to get cut.
Why are branches pruned? To produce fruit of greater quantity and quality. While much of God's pruning hurts, we should greatly rejoice in the pruning process as we understand He is building His character within us.
Character has been defined as a convictional belief that results in consistent behavior. We can see that character begins internally (a convictional belief) and is expressed externally (consistent behavior). Our internal character will be seen in our external lifestyle.
God is stamping His image upon us so that we might be examples of Him to the world, and be able to fulfill His purpose for our lives.
This is an excerpt from one of the History books we have studied so far this year and I was simply and blessedly amazed at the truth and depth the above words contained. Sitting around our school table, a free and fruitful discussion between our girls and I emerged as we tore apart and dissected the reality and meaning of what we were reading. Being a Christian (Christ-follower) isn't always comfortable, easy or desirable. God always sees the big picture and we of the flesh can only see one small piece, the piece we are currently living in. He sees where we need pruned in order to produce fruit. He sees where pressure needs applied so that His image will be visible upon our lives. Lately we've been experiencing alot of pruning and pressure and at times I've been tempted to pitch a fit and scream, "What are you doing God? Isn't enough enough? Lay off a little (or a lot)! Can we have some breathing room?" Yet in it all and through it all, He lovingly, patiently, gently, continually and faithfully reminds me that He is working out a purpose I have yet to see. A purpose that through pruning and pressure will bear Him much fruit and glory. As I ponder the reality of that, I let go of all control and trust Him completely.
I'm so thankful that I have a hope that reaches far beyond what I can see. A hope that is rooted and grounded in the Creator and Giver of all life...all time...all reason!
I am a blessed branch!
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