Character

This is what author David Marion had to say on character, "It's not what you were, it's what you are today."

No time period thus far has had the greatest technological and medical advances of this generation. Yet, despite these advances, man has taken many steps backward regarding character.

There was a time when a man's mere verbal statement was as honored and respected as an officially signed court document. Treaties were often made and lands bought and sold on the gold-bonded word of a gentleman. Dare to question or challenge a gentleman's word, and you would find yourself having deeply insulted this man.

Due to simple human frailty, all of us, at some time or another, are guilty of displaying character that is less than noble. In the end however, no one is hurt more by flawed character than God and ourselves. We can allow our word to crumble and let the trust others place in our hands be used to advance our own selfish purposes, but when all is said and done, it is we who must face our real character when we look in the mirror at the end of the day.

Author, Dwight L. Moody, states, "Character is what you are in the dark."

Thomas was a man who dressed well, ate well, and spoke well. He was considered "the upper crust," and well-respected by his friends and relations. In the light of day, Thomas contributed to charities, tipped his hat to young ladies, and told the minister what a fine job he did on Sunday's sermon.

Behind closed doors was another story, however. Once in the privacy of his home, Thomas was bitter and stingy. His wife feared him, and his children had no respect for such an emotionally cold father. In the light of day, Thomas put on a good show, but the truth of character seeps out when we think no one is watching.Someone IS watching. God.Take a look in the mirror today.

What do you see?

If God were standing beside you, would your character be something to be proud of, or ashamed of?

The good news about character is that it can be changed! All who have repented of their past sins, even their former lack of character, have experienced this refreshing and renewing of spirit that can only come from our Heavenly Father, God!

Do not be ashamed, but find honor in the fact you are ready to cast away the old, and put on the new!

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr