CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY

TEXT: Matthew 7: 24- 27.

Memory Verse: “If the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).

A man of God once declared that God is more interested in your character than in your career. This statement shows the interest God places on character and its development. Character can take you to heaven but your career cannot give you a ticket. Your talent can take you to the top, but what sustains you there is your character. When a man’s character is flawed, everything about that man will be affected. Character, according to A.W Tozer, is the excellence of moral beings. Your distinction in life is tied to your character.
“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king thought to set him over the whole realm”. Dan 6:3. If you have a good character, the king will set you above your equals. Daniel was noted for his honesty, ethics and charity. These are the distinguishing features of people of character.
The character of a person is the sum of his disposition, thoughts, intentions, desires and actions. It is who you are when no one is watching. To define a person’s character, watch out for his general tendencies and not a few isolated actions. You have the responsibility of developing your character. Integrity on the other hand, is the adherence to moral and ethical principles. It is that which validates character and gives energy to it. It is the quality or state of being of sound moral principle, uprightness, honesty and sincerity. It is the soundness of your character.
“Integrity is keeping a commitment even after circumstances have changed”. -David Jeremiah. “Integrity is built by defeating the temptation to be dishonest. – Rick Warren.
Men of integrity are men who are consistent with their character. They are not fair weather people. They are predictable. “Integrity will not always look like the way to go, but it pays off in the long run.” -Fredrick K.C Price.

Food for Thought
It pays to be a man of character and integrity.

Prayer
Father, I want to be a man of character and integrity. So help me.