Character Matters
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Proverbs 11:3 ESV
The recent news headlines surrounding Brett Kavanaugh have brought front and center the issue of a person’s moral character. Those on his side argue that a man of honor and a fair judge couldn’t have committed the acts he is accused of over 30 years ago. Those on the side of his accusers applaud their character for being brave enough to speak out against a person in a powerful position. We are reminded that abuses happen frequently in our society and that victims should be able to come forward without fear of reproach. I’ve pondered both sides as I watch these events unfold. The answers are not easy and I am hopeful that our justice system will beautifully work out those details so that the truth will become abundantly clear. In the meantime, I have looked more at what it looks like to be a person of righteous character and to live a life that speaks boldly of that.
What is godly character? I believe godly character is living a life in accordance with descriptions set forth in the Bible. Thankfully, the scriptures give us plenty of examples. Galatians 5:22-23 defines the fruit of the spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Romans 12:2 instructs us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Luke 6:31 tells us to do to others and we would have done to us. Philippians 4:8 reminds us to think on pure and lovely things.
As we grow in our walk in the Lord, our godly character will continue to develop from the work of the spirit within us. Sometimes we will face trials and hardships because, as Romans 5:3-4 proclaims, suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces character and character produces hope.
I say all of this to make one simple statement; character matters. As believers who are seeking to grow greatly in our walks with the Lord, we want to strive to grow our Christian character so it is widely know that we are people of truthfulness. King David is recognized as someone who was a man of integrity. He was described as a man after God’s own heart. Yet he sinned and allowed evil thoughts to take over his actions. We all sin, and all of us will do things that jeopardize our character witness. Therefore we should continue to pray and seek the Lord’s guidance to grow our godliness and become more like him.
Accusations against us will come. The next few days and weeks will be interesting as we watch events unfold. It is obvious someone is lying in the Kavanaugh situation. The honesty and truthfulness of one of their characters are on the line. I want to live my life such that when someone makes a claim, my character will speak very well of whether it is true or not. Sure, mistakes will happen and sin will mar total purity in this life. But as an overall life, I’d like to make Titus 2:7-8 my motto:
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so than an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
You are right, Dana; we all sin, and fall short. I pray, with God’s help, I will portray a good character.
Our example is important. But God does forgive when people won’t.