Philippians 2:22 - "Proven Character"

Today we're looking at Philippians 2:22. Here, the ApostlePaul is talking about Timothy. Paul writes: "But you know his proven character,that as a son with his father, he served with me in the gospel." Oneof the most valuable qualities in the Christian life is proven character. Noticethat Paul did not praise Timothy primarily for his gifts, talents,intelligence, or abilities. He praised him for his character. The phrase provencharacter speaks of something that has been tested and approved. Gold istested by fire. Steel is tested by pressure. Character is tested by life. Timothyhad been tested. Whenyou go back to Acts 14, where Paul first meets Timothy in Lystra, Timothywitnessed Paul being stoned for preaching the gospel. It was during this periodthat Timothy gave his heart and life to Jesus Christ. He had a godlygrandmother and mother who taught him the Scriptures, and he grew in the graceand knowledge of the Lord. Then, when Paul began his second missionary journeywith Silas in Acts 16, one of the first people mentioned in Lystra was Timothy.The Bible tells us that, “he was well spoken of by the brethren who were atLystra and Iconium”. In other words, Timothy already had a good testimonybefore Paul invited him to travel with him. Paul said, in effect, "I wantyou to join me and Silas on this missionary journey." Weknow that Timothy traveled with Paul to Philippi, where Paul and Silas werebeaten and thrown into prison. Luke was also with them during this period. Justimagine the privilege Timothy had of being surrounded by and mentored by suchgodly men. Year after year, as Paul invested in him, Timothy grew in his faith,his knowledge of Christ, and his character. Eventually, he became a man ofproven character. Only after proving himself faithful did the Apostle Paulinvite him to become part of this missionary team. Thisteaches an important lesson for all of us. God is more interested in developingour character than displaying our abilities. Many people want immediateinfluence. They want instant success. They want positions of leadership beforethey have developed spiritual maturity. That can become a problem in manychurches when people seek positions for which their character has not yetprepared them.  ButGod works differently. Remember, David spent years tending sheep beforebecoming king. Joseph spent years in slavery and prison before ruling in Egypt.Moses spent forty years in the wilderness before God called him to lead Israel.Timothy spent years learning, serving, growing, and becoming Paul's trustedrepresentative. My friend, we discover that character is more important thanabilities and all the other things for which people are often praised. Yearsago, I taught people not to praise someone merely for their talent or ability. "Oh,they play the piano so well." "They are such a gifted speaker." Instead,praise them for their character and the discipline that enabled them to developthose abilities. Praise them for doing the right things for the right reasons.Praise them for faithfulness, honesty, kindness, loyalty, thoughtfulness, diligence,and integrity. That is proven character. Someone has wisely said: "Godprepares the man before He prepares the ministry." The Christian life isnot a sprint; it is a marathon. Faithfulness over time produces provencharacter. Maybetoday you feel overlooked. Maybe you have been serving quietly for years and noone seems to notice your faithfulness. But God notices. Every prayer. Every actof service. Every sacrifice. Every hidden act of obedience. God sees them all. Luke16:10 says: "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also inmuch." God often develops greatservants in ordinary places.Let'spray. Father, help us today to develop proven character. Teach us to befaithful in the small things and patient during the seasons and years ofpreparation. May our lives bring honor to You. We pray this in Jesus' name.Amen.