Life is full of times to test your character. Many times no one is looking, so you feel like you can do whatever you want. Also, when you are in a crowd of others, you feel peer pressure to go along with the crowd, which is against your better judgment. In other words, is your behavior the same in the dark as in the light?
You may be thinking, “What difference does it make?” An unknown author has this to say about character: “Reputation is precious, but character is priceless.” You want to have a good reputation, so others will like you. You may even be willing to sacrifice your character to gain a reputation you desire from a particular group. Although, when you a person of character, your worth is “priceless.”
There is a verse in Scripture written to men, but the point it makes is applied to both men and women. It gives you insight to having Godly behavior, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). Yes, you need to “be on the alert” in having good character, because the temptation to compromise is ever before you. If you are not on the alert, compromise is sure to follow. As you are on the alert, notice what the Word of God commands you to do next—“stand firm in the faith.” You live in a world surrounded by evil and evil temptations that you will fall prey to if you do not “stand firm in the faith.” Finally, the last word of the verse describes how you will be able to stand firm in the faith; you need to “be strong.”
You want to be a person of character who is “priceless.” To do this requires a triple punch: first, keep aware of your surroundings, second, be a person of strong faith in the Lord Jesus, and third, make hard decisions that glorify the Lord.
The world needs more priceless people of character!
