Attributes—How do they define us?

Previous devotions have encouraged us to leave a good impression and to develop good character.  Good impressions are left by smiling, being on time, and listening.  Our character is developed by controlling our thoughts, guarding our hearts and minds, and keeping good company.  Character was defined as “the whole you—thoughts, intentions, and actions.”  In other words, our attributes define our character. 

Attributes are defined as a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something.  Just as character can be good or bad, attributes can be good or bad. Why?...because our attributes help define our character.  So, how do we develop positive attributes?  In an article by Todd Wagner, former pastor at Watermark Church, he describes 5 attributes of a Godly man (article link: www.watermark.org):

1.       Step Up:  Lead, initiate, be a person of action.  Reject apathy and passivity. (Ezekiel 22:30--I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.)

2.       Speak Out:  Be courageous! Silence in the midst of sin is a sin.  There is a time to listen and a time to speak. (Proverbs 27: 5-6:  Better is open rebuke than hidden love.  Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.)

3.       Stand Strong:  Don’t give in when you are challenged, attacked, or criticized.

4.       Stay Humble: Be vigilant against pride.  Don’t think less of yourself, think of yourself less. (Philippians 2: 3-4:  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.)

5.       Serve People and the King:  Live to honor and serve others for a greater reward.

A few years ago, our football officiating crew worked together to identify what we feel are important traits (attributes) of a “Super Ref.” The following attributes are the ones we identified:

Common sense                             Decisive                                              Good crewmate

Athletic                                        Integrity                                               No ego

Great judgment                           Well balanced                                      Team player

Durable                                       Calm                                                   Good leader  

Great communicator                  Presence                                              Rules knowledge

Great physical appearance       Open to criticism/improvement           Do the right thing under pressure

Combining the 5 attributes of a Godly man together with the attributes of a Super Ref, which ones would define you?  Which one(s) do you need to work on to not only make you a better official, but a person with high character? What steps will you take this week to work on them? Who will hold you accountable?

“You create a strong, unshakable internal core by understanding and pursuing the attributes that you want to inherit.”