Saturday, October 21, 2006

TOPIC: Character Counts
In their devotional entitled Character Counts, Tony Beckett and Woodrow Kroll quote Isaiah 66:3. Isiah is one of the biblical people I would like to meet and hang out with. He seemed to have a spirit focused on God, doing what was right and living a humble, yet rich life. That's the kind character I aspire to have. Here is what Beckett/Kroll have to say about character:
The world has its heroes. We find them in action figures, on trading cards, posters, Web sites and newsletters. From athletes to entertainers, from politicians to authors, people have their heroes, those whom they admire. They may like the sound of their voice, the emotions they invoke, the skills they possess or perhaps something as superficial as how the person looks. If you could meet one person who is alive today, or get his autograph, or spend some time with that person, who would it be? And why?
Now contrast that with the kind of person whom God esteems. It may surprise you that anyone would have God’s respect, but there is such a person. “‘
This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word” (66:2). Earning God’s esteem is not a matter of looks, abilities or talent but of character. Since character counts, being esteemed by God is within reach of all of us. If it were based on ability, talent or attractiveness, we could not all attain it. Remember that man looks on the outside, but God on the inside. While many are driven to earn the esteem and respect of others, our priority should be to gain that from God. So, work on humility, being contrite and responsive to the Word of God.
Is your character like the person’s who is esteemed by God?

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