Character

— For the week of August 10, 2008 —

Someone once asked banker J.P. Morgan what the best collateral was for a loan, and he replied, "Character."

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth
to strengthen those whose hearts
are fully committed to him.
— 2 Chronicles 16:9

A Newsweek article stated, "From the East side of Manhattan to West L.A., Americans are agreeing that there are universally accepted precepts of good character...and that society is failing to teach them anymore."

I am so impressed with Warren Wiersbe's book, On Being a Servant of God. On the subject of character, he wrote, "Life is built on character, but character is built on decisions. The decisions you make, small or great, do to your life what the sculptor's chisel does to a block of marble. You are shaping your life by your thoughts, attitudes and actions, and becoming either more of less like Jesus Christ."

Wiersbe goes on to say, "We as God's servants, are standing on holy ground and had better behave accordingly. If nobody else is watching, God is, and He will be our judge."

Character does matter! What is to blame for the decline in morals and personal character in America today? The breakdown of the family was cited in 77 percent of those surveyed.

As a minister, you can influence husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, and children of all ages. The church must be one source that does make a difference. We must set the example of God's standard in a world that desperately needs to see character in action.

Taken from The Minister's Little Devotional Book.
Copyright © 1997 by H.B. London Jr. and Stan Toler.
Used by permission of RiverOak Publishing, Tulsa, Okla.
All rights reserved.