“Character is the one thing we make in this world and take with us into the next. The circumstances amid which you live determine your reputation; the truth you believe determines your character. Reputation is what you are supposed to be; Character is what you are. Reputation is what you have when you come to a new community; Character is what you have when you go away. Reputation is made in a moment; Character is built in a lifetime. Reputation grows like a mushroom; Character grows like an oak. Your reputation is learned in an hour; Your character does not come to light for a year. A single newspaper report gives your reputation; a life of toil gives you your character. Reputation makes you rich or makes you poor; Character makes you happy or makes you miserable. Reputation is what men say about you on your tombstone; Character is what angels say about you before the throne of God. Your character is what God knows you to be. Your reputation is what men think you are.” (William Hershey Davis).
This description of character reminds me of the Old Testament story of the young Moabite woman named Ruth. After a series of devastating events in Moab, Ruth ends up in the land of Israel with her mother-in-law Naomi. As the story unfolds, she ends up married to Boaz and the couple become the great-grandparents of King David. It is certainly an amazing story of love and redemption.
In the midst of the story, Boaz and Ruth find themselves in a potentially questionable situation. Ruth is fearful that her reputation will be damaged. Boaz seeks to calm her fears by reminding her of her character. “And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character” (Ruth 3:11 NIV).
Good character gives us the foundation to withstand the assaults on our reputation. And, as Ruth learned, it’s often the difficult times that prove most valuable in building character (Romans 5:3-4)
God loves you!
Mike
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