To Carry Revival: Character Test

I'm no genius when it comes to the things of God, but I am still hungry for wisdom and revelation. I say this because while I like to make my opinion known, I realize I have a great deal to learn.

I know the to carry lasting revival, character is of utmost importance. There is miracle working power available to believers that is very dangerous if used for our own self-interest. In order to express the heart of God to the world, we need His character.

Moses, the meekest man in the Bible, was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because he failed to lead Israel in a redemptive manner in one instance (Numbers 20:12). Read closely...

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals." So Moses took the rod from before the Lord as He commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, "Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?" Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.
- Numbers 20:7-11

Moses' did not express the heart of God toward the people. God did not react in anger when He told Moses to speak to the rock. Moses, however, struck the rock and called the children of Israel rebels. This is not what was in God's heart for His people.

Far to often, great men of God have failed this character test and lost their ministries. Men such as Ted Haggard and Jimmy Swaggart are good examples of men of God who struggled with Godly character. Because of this, they have lost their witness and many people have been turned off to the Gospel of Christ because of this. Their anointing did not leave them, and they were still great men of God (Romans 11:29). Their poor choices, however, hindered their Kingdom influence.

Sin does not disqualify, but poor character does. Poor character fails to deal with sin appropriately. David sinned greatly, but he had great character. Because of this, God blessed Israel for generations after him.