White-Washed Graves
I had a conversation with some peers recently concerning how much we rely on our gifts instead of our character.
We posed the question “Why do we focus more on our gifts than our character?”
I believe there is a desire for acceptance and affirmation within everyone of us, whether we like to admit it or not. A person’s character is sometimes very internal. In fact, the true character of a man or woman may be something that nobody ever sees. You can easily present a fake self-image before people which inflates the perceived quality of your character.
Now, your gifts are a different story. These are on constant display for all the world to see, therefore we lean heavily on our gifts. I mean really, in the end it’s about looking good in front of people right? I have to hash out my character in private. I can convince people that I’m honest and trustworthy without really being either. However, if I want them to think that I’m an eloquent speaker or a talented musician I actually have to be up to par. So I work on these things. I practice a sermon for 4 hours and pray for thirty minutes. I rehearse what I’m going to tell people, and do something completely different. (I believe Jesus’ metaphor of white-washed graves is on the spot here.)
Here is the trouble with this. Perception is fleeting, but character is permanent. The crowds will cheer for you one day, and be sick of you the next day. Your boss will call you the best and brightest one year, and tell you to start exploring your options the next year, but the true mark of who you are, your character, remains steadfast. You won’t always be the hippest, coolest, latest, brightest thing, but you will always be who you really are in the depths of your spirit.
Mold your character. Work toward honesty and integrity. Put others first and live for the pleasure and approval of God, no one else.
