“Have We Met Before? I think I’ve heard about you. Oh….you are that person they warned me about.”
Character is who you are when you are by yourself. These wise words have often been close counsel to me. I recall them when traveling alone for business or pleasure. They help me to keep perspective and accountability to my God, my spouse, my family. I found that in reading Proverbs 22:1 that my character is directly tied to the value of my relationship to God. This scripture says ‘A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.’
Have you ever bought a car and wished you could know for certain if it is mechanically sound. Sure the paint looks good, the tires are new, but what about the parts you can’t see? It could be soaking in a new coat of wax, received a super detail job, but if it doesn’t move you more than a few feet down the road, its real character only existed on the surface. It hid its flaws, it tried to dazzle you. Once paralyzed with your eyes on its beauty, you dropped your guard and assumed everything under the hood must surely be as great as the exterior. Before you know it…..this cars value is not as high as you thought.
I’d like to relate that illustration to you in another way. Have you ever had several well-intentioned people tray and help you form an opinion about someone you have yet to meet? They are sharing with you their interpretation of this person’s reputation. I know all of us have met people that have extraordinary reputations of the highest quality. We admire & respect them. On the other hand, you may have had the unfortunate opportunity to deal with an individual that has a ‘less-than-desirable’ reputation. While we may not always be able to stop people for trying to help us form opinions about others you are in control of your reputation. Sometimes our ears itch to learn what others opinions are about us. Are they speaking favorable of us, are they casting you in the best light possible?
Whatever people may say, we should always strive to be above reproach when it comes to our dealings with others. I encourage you to approach a brother when there seems to be an offense, speak a kind word that will turn away wrath, let folks speak well of you as they watch you deal with difficulties in ministry. I figure you can dig a trench and fight battles so you can feel a sense of justification or you can take Proverbs 22:1 to heart and realize that your real favor should come from God. Your desire to gain favor in the eyes of others should be more valuable than silver or gold. But beware in trying to earn the favor of others. Avoid being like the car I mentioned earlier. A big Bible, attractive wardrobe and using the latest buzz words are surface characters only and your ministry won’t go more than a mile before breaking down. What’s deep down inside of you? What drives you to success? Will others say it’s your strong devotion as a true servant to God. Will your character truly reflect Christ so others can no longer see you? Are you willing to be decrease so the He may increase? Now that’s what I call character!
Lastly, take time to get to know someone before you determine their reputation. I have several friendships that would have never been created if I acted on the opinions of others and avoided a person that was thought to have a poor reputation. This type of attitude would have literally kept Jesus from talking to the Samaratin woman at the well.
