Character

What this adds up to, then, is this; no more lies,
no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth.
In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all.
When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. Ephesians 4:25

So before I get started, I really need you to feel sorry for me. It is about 10:15 on New Year’s Eve, and I am blogging. It gets worse…my husband is at the fire station already sleeping and my child is asleep. I will welcome the New Year in sad and alone. Aren’t you supposed to be with the person you are with on New Year’s for the rest of the year? Maybe that’s not so bad. I could use a little more time to myself!

Anyway, on to character. I have been taught about character all my life. I think people get a little jaded when it comes to the word. Role models are known for their character. Commercials are made about character. Books are written about character. And we are always reminded that Character Counts! No wonder it goes in one ear and out the other. But the above verse focuses more on being honest, which is revealing character through actions and words. In Ephesians Paul is saying that we need to stop trying to be more glamorous than we really are. Who cares what you posses and how great your life is, especially if you are lying about it.

I mean, honestly, there will be no movies made about my time on earth, no tv shows about my fabulous lifestyle, and no books about my wisdom and charm. I will never be as cool as I want to be, never have the perfect house, clothes, etc. But my character can do so much more than those superficial things. I can teach my child how fabulous a life with Christ can be. I can show my husband how glamorous a wife who shines with God’s inner peace and joy can be. I can teach my 4 year old Sunday School class how wise a person who follows Jesus’ example can be.

As the author alludes to, don’t let the television, People magazine, or the internet teach your child about character. You must demonstrate and verbally teach honesty and integrity. Yes, your actions speak louder than words, but have a conversation about doing the right thing when a tough situation arises. If the cashier forgets to ring up something and you catch it, tell your child that Jesus taught us to tell the truth…don’t just hope they were paying attention.

Happy New Year and I pray God will bless each one of your families with amazing love, grace, and character, too!