Being Vs. Doing

When people speak of us, do they describe us relative to talent or our character? Would you rather be known as a great businessman or as a godly father? Would you want to be known as a great athlete or as a person of integrity? Obviously it is possible to have both, but if we look to Scripture we normally find that people are described by who they are, not what they can do.

Noah................Walked with God (Genesis 6:9)
Abraham...........Was a friend of God (James 2:23)
Joseph..............A man of moral excellence (Genesis 39:12))
David................A man after God’s own heart (I Samuel 13:14)
Daniel...............A man of excellent character (Daniel 6:3)
Jesus................A man without sin (I Corinthians 5:21)

This is no minor issue. We must be people who are defined by character. Our culture cares little for character, after all, “nice guys finish last.” It has been said that those who believe, “it is not whether you win or lose but how you play the game” are usually losers. This type of thinking is drowning our culture. Everything is grades, sports, how much you make, or where you fit in the pecking order. When we think back to recent history, men like Lincoln or Robert E. Lee have volumes written about their integrity. Yes, they accomplished much, but most of the fruit borne out of their lives was a product of their character. They were men who were respected even by their enemies.

Take a long hard look at your life and ask yourself, “How will I be remembered when I am long gone?” Will the business wars that I won or the sports trophies on my mantel be the remembrances, or will people say such accomplishments pale in comparison to your character? That's the way I see things.