Originally posted 11-24-2009. Reposted 11-04-2010
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My family and I are honored to be a part of LifeChurch.tv in Oklahoma City. My Senior Pastor, Craig Groeschel, said something profound when he was talking to a campus pastor about character. He said, “It’s the things no one sees that result in what everyone wants”. The bottom line is that good character is the only real foundation for success. Not merely financial success, but family, individual, spiritual and even physical success are all built on the foundation of personal character.
So this begs the question, “How do I build character?” The answer: in secret. It’s one thing for people to have a perception of your high moral character, but if your character is lacking when no one is looking then you have no real foundation for success.
In Luke 16:10 Jesus said, “Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” (NLT) Although Jesus was speaking specifically about money, the principle goes far beyond finances.
How often do we talk behind people’s backs, cheat on our taxes, cheat on expense reports, lie about our prayer lives, hide our internet browsing habits, cover up our secret addictions, or compromise our character in any way when no one is looking? When we do these things we are not worthy of God’s trust with larger, more important, public matters.
Whatever is in your closet will come out. When the door swings open will people find high personal character or will they find the festering stench and rot of deceit? If the latter is to be found then better to open the door wide of your own accord. Confess your areas of unfaithfulness and get help to clean up the mess. Only then will you be able to be able to begin building your foundation of character.
I just read the story of Naaman, Elishsa and Elisha’ servant Gehazi– Great illustration of character (or lack of) in the conclusion:
2 Kings 5:25-27 (NIV) 25 Then he went in and stood before his master Elisha. “Where have you been, Gehazi?” Elisha asked. “Your servant didn’t go anywhere,” Gehazi answered. 26 But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money, or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds, or menservants and maidservants? 27 Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and he was leprous, as white as snow.