Abraham Lincoln stated: "character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." Character is what a person is on the inside. Like the backbone in the body, character is the spinal column of the will. Originally, the word "character" signified a sharp pointed instrument or engraving tool. It is like a sharp scalpel in a surgeon's hand.
When James asks: "can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?" (James 3:12) he was linking character to conduct. In other words, the quality of character will be reflected in the quality of our conduct. Just as a good tree is judged by the kind of fruit it produces, so Christian character is measured by the way we live.
Daniel was snatched from his home and placed in a godless environment. Yet the influence of a permissive Babylonian society did not tarnish his character. He resolved not to defile himself (Daniel 1:8). Honesty and integrity were the hallmarks of his character.
What makes the difference? It is the quality of character that is God centered. James states: "who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom" which results in "a harvest of righteousness" (James 3:13,18). Let Christ shine through your character and a harvest of "fruit" will result!
1 comment:
Character is, sadly, not something emphasized much these days, and we see the effects all around us.
Thank you for the clarity of your reminder here.
Love you, Dad!
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