Character...

Character 3-15-25

In my science classes last week, we had a lab illustrating cellular respiration. It took multiple days and many steps, but essentially, it went like this. On the first day, we took test tubes, yeast, water, and different types of sugar. We labeled and fed each test tube a different type of sugar, which included cane sugar, milk, Splenda, and honey, with one test tube as the control. After following the procedure, the students put balloons on their test tubes. I took images, and the students evaluated the results. I determined the causes of why some balloons expanded with the release of CO2 and others did not or with little expansion. On the second day, we put all the liquids together and fed each bottle the same amount of flour. The students then evaluated the results of the flour in cellular respiration.

This morning, as I was thinking about character, I was looking at some photos. These photos popped up. You see, our character and results are like the different types of sugar added to the bottles. Some characters, just like sugar, release results that are easily seen and measured with noticeable results. The inflation of the balloon represents our works and reactions in difficult situations. Some character releases a small amount of reaction, but it is quickly gone when outside environments influence the character. Some characters do not cause any reaction because it is artificial. In this case, the Splenda. It has no substance, it cannot be used to create the desired reaction because it is not real. Fake, an imposter, and quickly realized.

The image you see is the second day. When the flour was added to the yeast, water, and sugar mixtures. The substance that was real demonstrated the character of the substance. When the flour was added to the imposter, there was a reaction. However, it was quickly gone unless fed again, and the true character of the substance was evident.

God is our flour. He is our constant. Matthew 4:4, "But he answered, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." When we feed our character, the results are evident. The results God cultivates within us are seen by those around us, just like the inflation of the balloon. Those that are fake or imposters have a character that might be seen at first to be of God, but the results are quickly gone, or circumstances reveal the true character.

Jeremiah 15:16 states, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts." Feed your character, let it shine, and let God fill you like a balloon. His word, His glory, your joy.