Articles
Character
How often do we focus on talent, education, intelligence, or athleticism? In our world it’s the smart, beautiful, witty, and athletic ones we consider successes. If, on the other hand, you’re fat, ugly, dumb, and clumsy you are nobody.
Judging people by the outward has always been around. Nebuchadnezzar did it with Daniel. He thought that because Daniel was good looking he was also be smart. When Samuel went into the house of Jesse, he saw all of David’s brothers. They all looked like kings, but God did not look out the outside: he looks at the heart (1 Sam. 16:7).
Looking at the heart shows us one’s character. One day beauty will fade, the intellect will dull, and the athelete’s long stride will grow short. When those fail, what is it that matters? It is the beauty of the hidden heart (1Pet. 3:4).
Our world is filled with people who have character flaws that lead them to bad judgement. Sometimes even the most talented lack the character needed to use their talent effectively. “Talent without character is like a race car with no steering wheel. It looks great from the outside and drives fast but without something guiding, a crash is very likely” (Jon Gordon).
Character is who we are deep inside, in the inner man. Even as talent fades, character remains. Even for the young, when talent is at it’s peak, it’s character that guides them. Even so with education. Education with no character becomes manipulation. But when education is guided by character, it a great servant.
Truthfully, the people we remember the most aren’t the most talented; they’re the ones who work hard and are honest, dedicated, loyal, passionate, and accountable. We remember people of character. Yes, there are many infamous we remember, but not for their character. Nobody lauds Capone, Madoff, or Darth Vader because of their character. We do not name children or schools after them.
Success is not defined by what we have, but who we are. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver” (Prov. 22:1). Character will follow us to eternity. Character will remain after our passing. Character defines who and what we really are.
