Character

 This week's devotion was prepared by Rick Loumiet--Replay Official, Big 12.......

As I began clean up in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, I noticed several large mature trees uprooted and blown over while next to them there were other similar trees that stood tall.  The difference I observed was the strength of the root system which being well rooted, allowed the tree to withstand hurricane force winds.  As I looked at this, I realized what a great analogy about a man’s character.  A man with a strong character, a strong root system, will be able to withstand the sometimes hurricane force winds that come his way.

So what is character ?

Character is defined as strength of moral fiber. It was once said as the excellence of gold is its purity, so the excellence of man is his character. A person’s character is the sum of his disposition (a person’s inherent qualities), thoughts, intentions and actions. In other words, character is the whole “you” and takes every part of the attributes listed above.  For example, can have good intentions but they must be followed by good actions.  

We’ve all heard the old saying “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching”. Many have laid claim to this quote but the most famous was Coach John Wooden.

We need turn no further than the Bible to find many men and women who were people of amazing character.  Here’s just a couple:  

- Daniel was taken into captivity by Babylon after it besieged Jerusalem. Daniel was selected to be placed into the King’s service and received the best of training and food but the food did not meet Daniel’s strict religious dietary requirements.  He could have easily eaten anything he wanted when no one was around but, being a strong man of character, he made what were not popular choices, but the correct choices in his diet.   He stood on a strong root system.

- David was the great warrior king of Israel. While he didn’t always make the right choice ,he always recognized his errors, repented and worked to live a life after God. His inherent qualities and actions were ones always seeking after God and God’s direction. The Bible describes David as a man “after God’s own heart”. What a great description of a man’s character.

So how do we develop character;

1. Controlling our thoughts. Philippians 4:8; Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think on these things.

2. Guard our hearts. Proverbs 4:23; Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Open your heart and mind like a safe keeping only precious and valuable things in there.

Finally, (3.) Keep good company. 1 Cor 15:33; Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals”.

Let me close with a great quote from Margaret Thatcher:

Watch your thoughts for they become words,

Watch your words for they become actions,

Watch your actions for they become habits,

Watch your habits for they become your character,

Watch your character for it becomes your destiny.