There are many things we think define us: material things that determine our net worth, titles that determine what people might call us, or an appearance that determines how people would see us. But those are things that do not matter two cents to what the Lord is looking for in us.
You are the book, the cover is for men, but God cares about the story of your heart. “…For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV).
We think as a Christian that the more we know about our faith, the higher our standing. But that is a worldly standard that only echoes true in the halls of worldly academia. From the perspective of the Lord, what matters most is not the faith you know but the faith you live.
To be effective for the kingdom, it is not how much you know but how much you live out. “Obey the Word of God. If you hear only and do not act, you are only fooling yourself” (James 1:22 NLV).
Character is that part of us that differentiates us from the world at a level not impeded by the trappings of this world. You can own the world, be called a king, and look better than most, and yet have a corrupt character not worth a nickel in the kingdom of God.
If people would seek a higher faith as much as they do a higher position, they would be giants in the kingdom. From the Song of Mary, “God’s arm is strong. He scatters the people who are proud and think great things about themselves. God brings down rulers from their thrones, and he raises up the humble” (Luke 1:51-52 ICB).
If you want to grow in your stature with the Lord, you will kneel ever lower before Him. God knows your natural character is corrupt, and so it is by His plan that He would infuse His own spiritual character into you. Growing in character is yielding in your life to a Holy Spirit who is always ready to help you.
Just as it takes the power of God to make man, it takes the power of God to change him. “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes…” (Ezekiel 36:27 NKJV).
Our character can sometimes be hidden for a time, but it always finds its way to the surface, good or bad. The person with the highest character need never show it because character shines all on its own. Only pride must boast to be noticed, whereas humility is a light unto itself.
It is not what a person says that reveals their character, but what they do. Live the story you tell. “Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did” (1 John 2:6 TLB).
If you want to truly know a person, look at their character. When you see a person who will allow a character flaw to gain a worldly pursuit, they aren’t worth the price it will cost to be around them. Choose to be around those with a high character that they would influence you to be the same.
Minister to the masses, but only be joined to the remnant. “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV).
Your character is revealed the most when nobody can see what you’re doing. The more private the situation, the greater the revelation. Those with the highest of characters never fear being exposed, for if they are, it will only be to the glory of the God they serve.
Live your life such that the worst thing that could happen is you’d get caught doing something good. “For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all” (Luke 8:17 NLT).
If you have many good character traits, you are wealthy. The riches in a good character can never depreciate and will never run dry. The abundance of a strong character is a blessing to all that come near such a person. It matters not where you were but where you’re going.
You’d be surprised what God can do in your life if only you’d let Him. “And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you…” (Ephesians 3:16-17 TPT).
Don’t despair in your character flaws but ask your God to change them. Don’t be a defeatist in your failures because it’s not even your fight to win. Your job is to surrender, and His job is to be your victory. The fruit of the Spirit is not what you can do but what the Holy Spirit can do if you’d let Him.
We’re all much better at striving than surrendering. “Surrender your heart to God, turn to him in prayer, and give up your sins—even those you do in secret. Then you won’t be ashamed; you will be confident and fearless.” (Job 11:13-15 CEV).
Friend, we need more men and women of high character in the Christian faith. It’s not enough to just be saved, but we are to live out a life that is a light to the world around us. There is no brighter lamp than that of a man or a woman of high character. Be that man or woman.
Your life is bigger than yourself because it touches everyone around you. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NKJV).
Blessings to you,
Paul Balius
Just a great word of encouragement Paul! Especially in these times we live in, HE is able if we just surrender.
Hi Jim, thank you so much for your kind words! You are so right, in the times we live in, now more than ever, we need to surrender to Him! Blessings to you!