PRISONERS OF CHARACTER
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. Isaiah 42:7
By the phrase Prisoners of Character, we are referring to the young men and women, youths, elders and members of the church and society at large whose lives are CAGED, CANNED and CONDEMNED by their very actions though they try to whitewash it with various positions they occupy in the Church. Character is so sticky that no official assignment can cover. It will ALWAYS manifest along the lines of duty. Easily traceable to the way you talk, exercise authority, relate with other people, etc.
We shall examine a few people who were blessed, privileged and prestigiously positioned BUT LACK OF CHARACTER HUNTED, DAMNED AND DESTROYED THEM.
SAUL: THE FIRST KING OF ISRAEL. 1 Sam 9:1-16
He stood unique as one of the most fortunate Bible characters in human history to make a success in life from his family. He was helped by God. His sun rose in splendour in the entire nativity of Israel but set in an irredeemable tragic night while he yet lived. His character defects were punctured by pride, self will, protection of office rather than remain in relationship with God who picked and raised him up, disobedience to spiritual instructions, etc. Below is a portrait of his character that culminated in self destruction and ultimate ruin:
His self-will restricted his influence. 1 Sam 13:12-13
Disobedient to God’s instructions trapped him in witchcraft 1 Sam 15:11-23
He was jealous of the success of David and was ready to kill him. 1 Sam 18:8; 19:1
Even Samuel, the man that anointed him later became afraid of him. 1 Sam 16:1-2. Is your father, mother and Pastor, afraid of you?
He went back to the witches he once disdained and destroyed. 1 Sam 28:7; Prov. 26:11.
He became a victim of suicide. 1 Sam. 31:4
When a man lacks character, both the spiritual and physical life will suffer unimaginably.
SAMSON: Judges 14:1-3; 16:1-22; Prov. 6:27
A man that was born in answer to prayers but died in failure of character. Strength of purpose was not his problem. He was naturally endowed so much that he needed no army in his entire twenty years reign. In his lifetime, he killed a lion, one thousand men, lifted the gates of the city of Gaza without any human help, pulled down the temple of Dagon. Yet, the desire for SEX defeated this historic leader as we read of him PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION in the enticing den of Delilah. This gross sale of character stemmed from the following processes.
• His GOING DOWN SYNDROME where he saw and lusted after strange women could not be controlled, counselled or appealed to his moral judgment. Judges 14:1-3.
Playing with temptation. And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death; 17 That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. Judges 16:16-17. This means Samson did not just spend a night with Delilah.
• A man of strength became a complex victim of self weakness, bondage and darkness. Judges 16:21;
• His confidence failed him. Judges 16:20
• Lack of character reduced him to an acrobatic sport entertainer. Judges 16:25-27.
• His last prayer to die with the Philistines was also a product of character failure.
And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. Judges... and Samson said LET ME DIE WITH THE PHILISTINES. Read Judges 16:27- 31
GEHAZI. 2 Kings 5:20-27
He was bolted out of office for his avarice, greed and lack of ministerial decorum (telling lies). Only heaven knows what this young prophet in training would have become in life. He lived with one of the most holy men in his days yet he was bound by his character trait. He represents a perfect picture of one who though works in the church, is filled with his own ways contrary to the doctrinal tenets. His character monitored his failure in training as follows:
• He behaved like a standard “agbero” i.e motor park boy. He definitely knew this woman and would have deployed another protective measure rather than the one he suggested. Thank God for the sensitivity of God’s servant 2 Kings 4:27
• At one time he was given a staff loaded with power to bring back the dead son of the Shunamite woman to life. He followed all the instructions that could bring back the child, but his character drained the power. This would have been a historic record for Gehazi to have brought back the dead to life while in training. But... quite sad. 2 Kings 4:29-31.
• It appears the Shunamite woman knew a little of Gehazi’s Character hence despite the high level of faith she displayed in believing that her son will come back to life, she refused to follow Gehazi with the staff and insisted that Elisha should follow her. 2 Kings 4:29-30
• He failed to understand the character and conduct of his boss.
• He prostituted his future with a lie that earned him garments that was soon to be worn out. 2 Kings 5:20
• The technical approach to design and skilfully constructed lie to Naaman reveals his motive, manner and mission in ministry. GREED, GAIN, GAMBLE with his life etc. He was even escorted with the strange goods 2Kings 5:21-24
• Shockingly, he also told a lie to a man that sees beyond the veil. 2 King 5:25
• He gained the world by receiving gifts at the expense of his ministry and fast tracked his convocation with the reward of the same leprosy that was cleansed of Naaman and his posterity. 2 Kings 5:27
DISCUSSION:
1. Personal litmus character test. Do you find brethren complaining about you on a particular aspect of your life? Do a self-examination and change as needful.
2. Point out where each of these PRISONERS OF CHARACTER would have bounced back if counsel or character had prevailed.
3. What are the signs and symptoms a failing character? Self willed, always right in your own conceit. Difficult to admit error etc.
4. Share testimony of someone you know that is currently a PRISONER OF CHARACTER. What do you think can secure his bail or freedom?
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