When we peer into a mirror we see an exact image of ourselves. Sometimes we like what we see, sometimes we do not. Every hair that is out of place is clear and evident. Generally, we (society) spend a great deal of time, money and energy worrying about this outward image.

The gospel teaches us that it is not what is on the outside that is important, it is what is on the inside that matters to God. Peter wrote “Let your adorning be not that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and wearing of gold, or putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” [1 Peter 3:3-4] The Pharisees were warned that they made “clean the outside of the cup, and of the platter; but within [were] full of extortion and excess.”

It is important that we clearly see and understand our “inward man” because “A good man, out of the good treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good things; and an evil man out of the evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things.” [Matthew 12:30]

Edward M. Bounds puts it this way; “Conduct is what we do; character is what we are. Conduct is the outward life. Character is the life unseen, hidden within, yet evidenced by that which is seen. Conduct is external, seen from without; character is internal – operating within. In the economy of grace conduct is the offspring of character. Character is the state of the heart, conduct its outward expression. Character is the root of the tree, conduct, the fruit it bears.”

Is God concerned about our conduct? Yes. Then should we be concerned about our character? Yes. But how do we understand our character, our real inner self? Is there a mirror for our soul? How do we see and view the image of our inner-self? How is it that we can understand our true character, our true self; the self that is not veiled by outward appearances? Somehow it must be revealed.

One way that our true self can be revealed is by examining our conduct, the offspring of our character, when we are tried. That is perhaps why Peter stated that “the trial of [our] faith, [is] much more precious than of gold.” [1 Peter 1:7] Trial allows us to see our true inner self. When we are “pressed by every foe” our real nature is revealed. It becomes evident and we can examine it, understand it, and correct it if necessary.

Abraham is a great example of someone whose character was revealed thought trial. In Genesis we read that “God did try Abraham” by asking him to “Take now thy son, thine only Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering, …” [Genesis 22:1-2] Abraham was faced with the severest trial imaginable. The request did not fit his theology. Human sacrifice was pagan. Isaac was the son of promise, a miracle from the barren womb of Sarah. Why would God go to great lengths to enable a man and a woman nearing 100 years of age who had been barren all their life to produce a son and then ask that son be killed? Why would God make a promise to Abraham that he would be the father of nations and the seed that would come out of his loins would number as the sands of the sea and the stars of the heaven and then kill the only child he had?

The whole idea was absolutely bizarre. All hope of progeny in old Abraham would die. All hope of promise would die. Abraham would be killing his love, killing God’s promises, striking a blow at God’s word, striking a blow at the character of God, striking a blow at the covenant faithfulness of God, killing the promise of God and cutting off the line of Messiah. And what makes it the severest trial ever is not that Isaac was to die, but that Abraham was to kill him with his own hand.

What would you do? How would you respond?

We know how Abraham responded. Without delay, without arguing or questioning, without disputing or any reaction whatsoever, Abraham was submissive and obedient. His character was revealed. He was a man of faith and became the father of the faithful.

We cannot escape trial. It is part of our sojourn on earth. What are you like when difficulties come? Are you bitter, angry and resentful or does the love of God shine in your countenance no matter the circumstances of life.

Understand that trial can have a wonderful purpose in our lives. It helps us understand the strength of our faith and take a spiritual inventory. Through the refiners fire we see, our conduct makes our character evident, and we are able to purge the dross from our souls “ … for without sufferings [we can] not be made perfect.” [Hebrews 11:40]