"A Lesson from the Book of Esther"
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One of the wonderful things about having God's Spirit dwelling in you, is that He leads and guides you if you keep your heart open to His lessons.
Most of my time in the Lord, I had a perception of what I believed Haman was like in the Book of Esther. There is no physical description of him, but because his deeds were so wicked, I always had a picture in my mind of someone who was very ugly and obviously cruel and mean. However, through experiences in my life, I've come to believe that Haman was probably a very handsome man, very charming and charismatic.
Currently where I work (a small company), there is one person who is the "right-hand man" to the company president. He is good looking, charming, funny, charismatic, clever, and he will stop at nothing to reach the top. What I see is a deceitful man who doesn't care who he harms on his way up. Because I have not bowed to his crooked ways (as Mordecai would not bow to Haman), he has done everything possible to make my job unpleasant, which is within his power.
Anyhow, this story is not about my plight, but the lesson I have learned. During this time, I was led of God to the Book of Esther. I realized that Haman was probably very much like this person where I work. He wasn't ugly and obviously evil. No, he was probably very handsome and polished. I believe Haman used his charms to worm his way into the King's high esteem. I was reminded of these other scriptures as I meditated on God's lesson:
"Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a woman who feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31: 30
Don't get hung up on the triviality that this scripture is directed toward women. Anyone can learn from it. I've also seen (in other translations) the word "charm" used in place of "favour." Don't be fooled by charm. I see it happen all the time (people are also fooled by beauty and good looks). When you are assessing people's integrity, look at their works. It is there that you will find the essence of their souls.
"By their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7:20
Don't put your trust in a person who is performing evil deeds, no matter how charming he/she may seem. Don't be fooled by this type of person. He/She is usually all show. They know how to put on a good face, but inside they have no loyalty and they are unscrupulous in achieving their own goals. Remember this scripture also:
"For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." 2 Corinthians 11:14
No half-way intelligent person would purposely let his/her evil and deception be seen. They hide it. They mask their true ways. And don't forget, this can happen with "Christians" and "Churches" as well as in the world (which is the main message in the eleventh chapter of 2 Corinthians).
If you are a companion to someone who is not always honest, someone who talks about others behind their backs, you can know that he/she will lie to you and talk about you behind your back. Sometimes these people are very exciting and exhilerating and fun to be with. Don't be fooled by charisma, good looks or charm. God clearly warns us not to be fooled.