Character Matters

“People of character do the right thing even if no one else does, not because they think it will change the world but because they refuse to be changed by the world.”

- Michael Josephson, law professor

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

- The Apostle Paul, Romans 12:2

When we think about character, another word that often comes to mind as well is integrity.

Character is defined as “the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.” Integrity supports the positive aspects of character, being defined as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, moral uprightness, incorruptibility.”

Granted, there is also the negative side, often describing someone who IS a character: referred to as a scoundrel, villain, or crook.

The Bible makes it very clear that we are to be people of positive character. King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 10:9:

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his way crooked will be found out.

This verse reminds me of another word critical to the discussion… authenticity. It is defined as “real or genuine, not copied or false.”

My Tuesday table group had a meaningful discussion on this topic.

Good character and authenticity go hand in hand.

It is not nearly enough to exhibit good character on one front only to have it disappear on another. Authenticity focuses on our walk matching our talk and being consistent in how we live that out.

It is when life gets tough that our true character is revealed. It is not only doing the right thing when no one else does, but doing the right thing in every circumstance. It is our consistency that causes others to respect and trust us.

German psychotherapist, Alfred Adler, put it this way,

“Men of greatness are admired, men of wealth are envied, men of power are feared, but only men of character are trusted.”

How we respond when the heat is turned up is the true reflection of our character. When we are put to the test, will we succumb to the pressure/temptation, or will we stand firm as people of character? James, the brother of Jesus, writes in James 1:12:

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Character matters, not only in this life, but even in preparation for the life to come. It speaks to who we are, and to whose we are, as men and women who are a reflection of the God we love and serve.

May we consistently exhibit character and integrity, being authentic in every situation, being a people who refuse to be changed by the world, but instead are being transformed into the likeness of God, who are trusted and respected enough that who we are, and what we do, points the way to Jesus and exalts His name.

Pastor Ken

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