Raising a Man of Character

Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him…

Matthew 1:24 (NASB)

            He was never on Hollywood’s list of Most Eligible Bachelors. He never graced the cover of People’s magazine. He didn’t possess a single diploma, nor hold a perfect credit score. He didn’t even play the lead role in the Nativity story. Yet Joseph was chosen of God to be the father of His Son, Jesus.

            Other than the fact that Joseph was a descendant of David, the Gospels don’t tell us much about his upbringing. Yet the Gospel of Matthew does reveal three essential traits that make Joseph a true man of character.

1.    He was a righteous man.

The term righteous means he lived in conformity with the demands of the Jewish laws, given to Moses. In other words. Joseph followed the rules. This is not to say Joseph never sinned. He was human and subject to temptation. Yet Joseph found favor in God’s eyes because his intent was to live a righteous, pure life – to obey the rules, even when no one was watching.

2.    He was a compassionate man

Even when his life appeared to be falling apart, and his heart was broken, Joseph showed compassion towards the woman who’d seemingly betrayed his love. He didn’t seek vengeance, he didn’t humiliate the one who’d humiliated him, he didn’t publicly disgrace her. Instead of reacting, Joseph acted - in a right yet compassionate manner.

3.    He obeyed God’s voice

Matthew 1:24 tells us, “Joseph arose and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” No ifs, ands, or buts. Joseph didn’t question God. He didn’t offer a few alternate solutions. He didn’t refuse. He obeyed – immediately.

            So many allegations, accusations and incriminations are being volleyed back and forth through the media these days. Famous men have been publicly disgraced, their lives ruined because of their immoral conduct. Unfortunately, you don’t have to travel to Hollywood to find men of irreputable character. They are in our communities, our cities, our schools, our workplaces, our neighborhoods.

            A man of character – hard to find these days. But for those of us who are still raising kids, the challenge is to continue to teach our sons (and daughters) the importance of obedience, the value of compassion, and the significance in obeying God’s voice.