Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

Living Life “as a Character” or “with Character”

“For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.” Psalm 11:7

“…and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Romans 5:4

How are you living life; as a character, or, with character? The dictionary lists multiple definitions for the word character:  “moral or ethical strength; integrity; fortitude; reputation” or as a “person who is peculiar or eccentric.” You can also be the actor who becomes the character “portrayed in a drama, novel or other artistic piece.”

It seems our modern culture is producing more who are characters than those with character. Steve Carter, in an interview, shared that “we push competency again and again over the development of our character.” Carter had a front row seat to character issues when he replaced Bill Hybels as pastor of Willow Creek Community Church following the surfacing of numerous allegations against Hybels.

Over the last few days, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned his office after the release of findings from multiple investigations into sexual misconduct. In his parting interview he gave as his rationale; “In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone, but I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn. There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate, and I should have — no excuses.”

Flawed characters are on display whether in the world of church life, politics, business, Hollywood or your neighborhood. Household names that were once revered are now in tatters because of a misshaped character. Their character sought after fame, fortune and power. Singer Whitney Houston said, “Success doesn’t change you. Fame does.” The writer of Proverbs says in 4:19, “The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what they stumble over.”

Yet, for as many broken vessels that you can name, there are countless others who strive to live with character. Character that has long-lasting impact is never forged in darkness. “The ability to see and the practice of seeing God and God’s world come through a process of seeking and growing in intimacy with him. God is seen by those who long for him.”—Dallas Willard

Legendary coach Bobby Bowden died this past week and in all the tributes about his career, the success of his football program and the insane statistics produced, it was his faith that garnered the most attention. One of his former quarterbacks, Danny Kanell wrote, “those numbers pale in comparison to the number of lives Bobby Bowden impacted for eternity. He was more preacher than coach. More father figure than mentor. More friend than teacher. It’s important to know WHY he was kind and thoughtful. It was not to recruit or get favorable press. He was who he was because of his relationship with Jesus. A lot of Christians preach one thing but live another. Coach Bowden lived his faith daily. That is his legacy.”

Living with character is possible as we grow in intimacy with God. My desire is to live life with character but I know daily that I have to let God continually shape me for Him. One of my life verses and prayers come from Psalm 69:6. “Do not let those who hope in you be put to shame because of me, O Lord God of hosts; do not let those who seek you be dishonored because of me, O God of Israel.”

“What a character.” or “What character!” Your choice. How are you living life? As a character or with character.

God is great,

Pastor Lynn