Popularity and Fame Say Nothing of Character – (Proverbs 27:21)

Daily Bible Study
The value and beauty of fine metals like silver and gold can only be revealed from exposure to the extremes of heat and fire. As these fine metals are heated and melted the impurities rise and float to the top where they are scooped off and thrown away. Which means both these metals must be sent through the trial by fire in order to remove the impurities and determine the true quality and purity of their metal. The same can be said for the people of God. God may allow us to go through trials in our lives, because there is really no other way to bring immature faith to maturity. Perseverance can only grow when followers of Christ remain steadfast through trials in their lives. And dear believer this is very important for us to understand. In regards to the world we live in today, the world has it backwards. We think popularity, celebrity and fame means something. And because of this many of us desire for the same fame and fortune, not understanding in God's eyes it has no value.

God's looking at our hearts, and our character. God looks not at the outside or our worldly successes and achievements. Rather, God looks are our heart toward Him, others and His word. Society wants us to believe that somehow a famous person because of their fame, has a character which is valuable. A character that should be emulated, just because they're famous. And sadly enough more often than not we found out it's just the opposite, the more fame the worse the character. And that's what these passages are talking about. They are in reference to our character as developed through trials. Like fine metals the true quality of our character and faith can only be determined by the fire of trials in our lives. As believers, we have to understand that in our Christian walk temptation and trials will either develop or destroy us. Christian character and spiritual growth can only be developed in the presence of a temptation or trial. How we respond to both says a lot about our character and who we are as a follower of Christ. Moreover, how we respond is determined by our view of God's word and our view of Jesus.