Would you like to know what people are really made of?  I suggest that you observe how they behave in moments of distress or calamity.  These extreme situations tend to bring either the best in people, or, the worst.  This proved to be the case just a couple of days ago when the entire county of San Diego had a massive power outage.  At intersections, you either had drivers yielding their right of way or tempers flaring.  At the grocery store, you either had customers remaining calm and courteous, or you had those who were impatient and grumpy.  

 

In the day-to-day routine we all go through, it’s easy to put on our best behavior.  We can be proper and act nice and civil toward one another.  It’s like the dating scene—trying to impress each other in an artificial and superficial setting.  It would be more practical to observe that prospective companion for life in a more realistic environment, or under stress to find out what he or she is really made of.  One’s true character is easily hidden from view until disaster strikes.  Perhaps employers and tenants can learn a lesson or two from this and save themselves from grief down the road.  

 

Your true character will emerge no matter what the circumstances might be.  The good news is that you can have a character that is consistently noble and pure if you submit to the power of the Divine.   Seek to embody the character of Christ.  It can be yours for the asking.