The theme that resounds with me today is Christ-honoring character.
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.” (v1, 4, 6, 9, 11)
Can you, or someone you know be described as ‘a person of godly character’? These people are well-respected because they respect others; are loved by many because they love many; are given much because they give much; are obeyed by those they teach because they teach out of obedience. Most importantly, these people of good, moral character honor God, and God honors them in return.
It is definitely possible to have well-respected ‘people of character’ who are not godly. They are still great humanitarians and sometimes awarded Nobel Peace Prizes, yet they lack ‘the fear of the Lord which is riches and honor and life’. Unfortunately, character and good works alone are not enough to secure our eternity in Heaven with God.
If we are not ‘people of godly character’, yet we proclaim Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then I strongly encourage us to embrace the transformative power of the Spirit. Don’t believe the saying that ‘people never change’ or the lie that ‘you’ll never be better’. God gladly reshapes our hearts and minds, helping us to glorify Him. All He asks is for our humility, loyalty, and obedience – He’ll take care of the hard parts. Yes, changing our hearts can be difficult, yet I can assure you it is well worth the effort.
Father God, our Wise and Discerning Lord, You have provided teaching and given us the capacity to learn. Please continue to build and strengthen godly character in our lives through Your Holy Spirit. Please help our words and actions to better reflect our Lord and King each and every day. We seek to honor, glorify, and praise You, moment by moment, from this day forward, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training