....By the Content of Their Character

Side note: I started writing this piece a few weeks ago... and then did something I've never done before: put it aside. I normally don't do that. I post immediately then read back again later and think "oh man, I can't believe I posted that!" And with slight humiliation I mentally re-write although I do leave the piece as is. But this time I pushed my writings to the side, came back to it a few days later, and then pushed it aside again. Quite honestly, I'm not even sure why expect perhaps I felt (or knew) I wasn't doing justice to the content of it. But today, as I realized it was the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s infamous "I Have a Dream" speech, only one line came to me:

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

And character is what this piece is all about... So here it is: somewhat disheveled, a little incoherent, and needing grammar touch-ups. But still something that has been on my heart lately.


I would like to think I have the foundational principles of life down... You know, the things we were taught and memorized way back in Sunday School days (for those who had the pleasure to attend). Basic principles that were outlined with felt story boards, Gospel Bill videos, and even rewarded with Buddy Barrel pins. And frankly, as a "mature" Christian, I should be growing and expounding on what I already know....

Sure.

But lately I find God bringing me through the basic principles of life all over again. Maybe I needed a reminder. Maybe I was slacking. Or maybe, because life is built off of these basics, I just needed a nudge to keep that foundation secure. Nevertheless, I have learned a lot this past year, a lot a lot, and yet more keeps popping up.... like the very latest: character.

There are two chapters in the Bible I've been reading a lot lately: Romans 8 and Ruth 2. I'll come back to Romans 8 at some later date and time, but what I do want to concentrate on today in Ruth 2.

Now Ruth 2 is not the most profound chapter in the Bible, but it has stood out to me recently. Just to refresh, it's about when a poor widow, down on her luck, who meets a "worthy man" named Boaz (v.1). She is poor, picking up wheat left behind by the reapers in his field, and Boaz notices her. He turns to his crop manager and says (Tammy paraphrased), "Who is this woman?" The crop manager replies, "She is a poor widow who just came into town with her mother-in-law Naomi who is also widowed. She needed food and asked if she could pick wheat here." (v. 6-7)

So Boaz, who is already impressed with Ruth, goes to her and says, "Stay here and pick wheat in my field. You will be safe here."

Ruth looks back at him and states, "Why are you treating me so well?!" (v. 10). And Boaz replies, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me.... The Lord repay you for what you've done." (v. 11-12)

So Ruth runs home to tell Naomi and Naomi says, "Blessed be the [worthy] man who took notice of you." (v. 19)

After reading this scripture, that's when it once again hit me: we're being watched. Our character, our actions, our decisions are all being watched. By friends, by family, by significant others, by co-workers, by the cash register dude at Starbucks.... We're being watched. And not in a stalker-ish type way, but rather people notice character. They hear or see things that stand out and speak volumes of who we are, what we believe, and what we really serve.

Another example of this is in Genesis 24 when Abraham sends out his servant to find a wife for Isaac. And this servant isn't sure who to pick so he asks God for a few signs: he's by a spring of water so he wants to ask the girls for a drink, and he'll know if she's the one because she'll say, "Drink and I will also water your camels." (v. 14)

So he waits literally a minute when Rebekah comes up and he asks for water. She quickly gives him a drink and then says, "I will draw water for your camels too." (v. 19) She quickly does that and next thing you know, the servant is putting gold jewelery on her (Hello!!) and tells her he wants her to marry his rich master's son. Not a bad day for Rebekah!

But see, in all seriousness, her character was noticed, and she was rewarded for that.

Ruth's character was noticed and, in return, she birthed Obed who became the Grandfather of King David and that line continues down to Jesus Christ.

So all of this to say: don't deny it - We're being watched. And that's not to scare you but rather encourage you that your character counts. And you will see results based on your character.

This is an understatement, but I HEART the Phoenix Suns! And I was a huge fan of the '93 team who went to the championships. Quite honestly, mostly because I was in love with Dan Majerle and his 3-point shot (I know, I'm a dork!) but that was also the year Charles Barkley came to town and how can one not love Chuck? Charles had a Nike commercial out that year in which he said, "I am not a role model." Basically his whole premise was that athletes shouldn't be role models but instead rather teachers, parents, etc. People kinda got on his case saying, "Like it or not, you are a role model Chuck!" I really understand what Charles was saying; however, in some way, shape or form, we all are really role models to someone. I believe there is such a deep stirring in this hurting world to see honesty, truth, and integrity in our fellow man. I don't believe Christianity should be a life based around religious "rules" but I do think we are responsible to have a character that bears witness to the ultimate Truth in Jesus Christ. People are looking for truth...and the only truth is Him.

And the best part of all this is not only does everyday people see your character, but God does too. And He is the one whose attention we need most of all.

Again, I know this is such a foundational principle, and I'm not trying to give anyone a slap on the hand, but I just think sometimes those basic principles can be easily forgotten after all. I know I certainly needed a good reminder.... I always seem to learn the hard way! Honestly, I really would rather watch Gospel Bill again then God show me through life lessons! :) But I can tell you this, those foundational principles we learn are daily shaping us into the men and women God is calling us and needing us to be.... And for that reason, character counts.

PS I really liked those felt story boards back in the day.... :)