Character: Part Two

By Carol Dickey
We will all give an account for what we say on the day of judgment (Matthew 12:36; Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 4:5).

Character is not only submitting to God’s standard of right and wrong. It also means surrendering to God our expectations of others. If we extend anything less than the grace of God to those who wrong us, then we fall short of God’s standard. Character involves “loving our neighbor as ourselves,” even if they don’t return the love we show to them (Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8).

The instructions God has given us are critical to our survival. Without integrity, it is a matter of time before we destroy each other. If we can be honest about ourselves with others, it can give them hope for their own failings and turn them towards our gracious God.

We will never be truly successful or know peace until everything in our lives is done in honesty and integrity.

To some, it is a daily challenge to be honest in all things. Way too often people take shortcuts when it comes to expense accounts, insurance claims and income taxes.

There are countless people of flawless integrity. Unfortunately, we do not hear about them very much. These people go quietly about their lives conducting themselves with honor and earning the respect of others.

Nine traits of a person of character who is close to God are found in Psalm 15. The description of a person with godly character is as follows:

1. His or her walk is blameless.
2. He or she does what is right.
3. He or she tells the truth.
4. He or she does not gossip.
5. He or she does not mistreat people.
6. He or she keeps his/her word.
7. He or she lends money to those in need without interest.
8. He or she does not take advantage of people for financial gain.
9. He or she does not repeat bad reports about others.