Character Moment #22 – March 5, 2008

I enjoyed listening to Mr. Reece’s story yesterday in chapel of the wrestlers who took a stand for Christ, even to the point of death. I just wonder how many of us could ever do it? When faced with death would we be like the guy that walked off the lake to safety or be one of the remaining 39 that stood for Christ so powerfully that their faith led another to join them?

What tremendous character those men had as they knew their lives were on the line, yet they would not flinch; they would not back down.

In your life you will meet all types of people with all levels of character. People who are known as having high character are memorable. They are people that leave a positive impression on us. You will also encounter those whose character is lacking. Some might say they have questionable character. These are the folks who are seldom trusted, because they tend not to be genuine in their dealings with others.

In life you make the decision to be a person of high character or low character. It is developed by the many decisions that you make repeatedly over time. Once you are known as a person with questionable character though, it is a tough label to shake. It is not unforgiveable though, and not irreversible. The way to change your character is by making that next decision with integrity. The sign outside the office area I am in says, “It is never too late to do the right thing.” I believe that whole-heartedly, and I am living proof that God can change a person’s character in the proper direction.

My hope for each of you is that you will to be known as a person who has great character. That it will be something you take pride in, not in an arrogant way, but in a way that communicates you hold it to be extremely important and valuable.