148.EXAMINE YOUR CHARACTER Proverbs 11:30

Everyone is born with talents, physical, men some cases even spiritual, these are giftings from God and should always be regarded as such. However they are vastly different from one’s Character. Character is a sustaining power of decision which each one of us develops while growing through the various stages of life. We accept or reject what we observe or take in from our five senses add it to our experiences and what we know factually. Then decide whether or not to make it part of our character. This is a very important part of our psyche You are responsible for developing your own character. And what you allow people to put in to your head. You don’t Have to accept everything people say, but you do need to know well, the people from whom you do accept wisdom. They need to have an honest reputation, not be a gossip, but one who is kind and peaceful, not given to anger or who holds on to grudges, trustworthy and prepared to stand up for what is right no matter the pressure to the contrary. Such a person is hard to come by, but when you do find one, you have struck gold, so treasure them. you have a true and precious friend for life that will enhance your principles, ethics, values and character. Abraham Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s Character, give him power” It’s easier to focus on our talent than our character because, generally speaking, our talents produce results that are rewarded and celebrated by others. In other words, there is an element of ego connected to our gifts. Character is built in private. Your reputation is built on what people think you are, but character is built on what only God (and You) know you are. If you want to go the distance, focus more on character than on talent. In The Bible the writer of (Proverbs 11:30/) says, “Live right and you will eat the fruit of the life-giving tree. And if you act wisely, others will follow you,” So if you are praying for greater results, Being must precede Doing, To achieve greater goals, you must become a more effective leader. To attract better people, you must become a person of great character. When you consistently display character, competence and purpose, you make a powerful statement to those around you and draw them closer to you. However, great things are seldom accomplished alone, so if you want to attract good people, you have to become a better person yourself. This is particularly true if you are a person of great ability. Your talent may lift you up before others, but your lack of character will show, and bring you down very quickly. Scripture is telling us “Godly men are growing a tree that bears life-giving-fruit and all who win souls are wise” A wise leader is willing to admit, “I’m not perfect but I know someone who is and everyday, I’m doing all I can to become more and more like Him in my professional, personal and social life. To this end, The Bible says in (James 1:12)) “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial.” Yes, it’s hard work, but hard work always produces good results that are worth it. Joseph attracted the unwanted attention of his boss’ wife. Day after day, she tried to seduce him. Now fast forward to later in his life. If Joseph encountered that level of temptation when he was just a household slave, can you imagine the level he was exposed to when he became Egypt’s Prime Minister? (Pride, bribery, extortion, theft, arrogance, playing favourites towards his own family etc.) Acting with integrity in small things, equips you to handle bigger things the same way, especially in the hour of temptation. Many times in life we are called upon to choose one of two paths; Character or compromise. And every time we choose Character we become stronger, even when that time comes at a cost, whereas when we choose to compromise we become a little weaker each time. Here are four observations worth being aware of; (1) Character is more than just talk. Do you remember the old Show-and-tell way of teaching? If you are all tell and no show, you lose credibility. (2) Talent is a gift from God, and something you are born with & have little say in the matter, but Character is a choice you get to make each day, and usually it’s made when only you & God know about it. (3) Character brings lasting success. It is said that early Stradivarius violins were made of wood taken from the sides of trees that had faced the brunt of a storm. Why was this? Because, weather-beaten wood produced the sweetest music. Are you getting the idea of what God is saying to us about fostering a good, healthy Character? (4) Temporarily you may be able to rise above your character limitations, but you wont be able to sustain it. Eventually you will be seen for what you are. So don’t work to build your life, work to build your Character. Thank you for reading these few words on “Examining your Character”. Can I suggest if you are serious about improving your Character, sit alone with God, and talk truthfully with Him about this matter. Ask Him to send His Holy Spirit to help you to uncover those areas of your life that need to be exposed to you, to show you clearly just how you can deal with them. Be honest, truthful and explicit with God. Remember, nothing is too small or too big for God to handle, in fact, sometimes when we overcome some of the small issues, the bigger ones are a “no brainer”. Your greatest ally will be God’s Holy Spirit, who is Biblically known as “The Spirit of Truth” So call on Him to help you. May God Bless you as He builds your Character. Phaline.