Does Godly Character Always Pay Off?

Have you ever wondered if making the right decision is the best decision?  

 I recently studied Joseph in the Bible (Genesis 37-45). He is a man I have always admired for many reasons. Not just because he was described as handsome and well built—something I am never mistaken for—but because he shows this incredible resolve to do what’s right even under the most trying circumstances. From enslavement to imprisonment and every difficulty in between, Joseph perseveres and continues to choose what’s right. To me, Joseph shows astonishing character that reflects his deep trust in God.  

What exactly is Character?

I recently heard someone say, “Character is doing the right thing when nobody but God is watching.” I resonated with that statement. It stuck with me because I have always perceived character as something that is revealed in the secret places—kind of the hidden identity of a person. More than a single action, statement, or act of generosity, character is the whole of a person. It’s thoughts, motives, and intentions as well as words, actions and choices—all wrapped together in one.  

 In our lives as employees, friends, co-workers, family members, and ministry leaders, we are constantly faced with decisions. Many of the decisions we make on a daily basis are actually fairly straightforward. But there are those lingering few that sometimes really challenge us. As Christians we have moments where difficult decisions need to be made, and it’s here where our character is put to the test.    

Does Godly character pay off?

As a Christ follower it seems like a fairly odd question with an obvious answer. Yes, of course it does! With that said, I want to unpack the answer just a bit with two points of clarity and, in the process of doing so, hopefully bring a bit of encouragement.  

1.     It may never pay off from the world’s perspective.  

 I think it is important to understand that we do the right thing not because it will or may “pay off” but because it is the right thing to do. If making a difficult choice to do the right thing always brought good results (success, financial gain, etc.), then ethics would simply be a part of everyone’s business strategy. It is not. We don’t make a moral or honest decision because it may yield some benefit to us; we make it because it is the right decision—a decision that will honor God.  

 Joseph made a good moral choice by avoiding an inappropriate relationship with Potiphar’s wife. However, that choice left him wrongly accused and stuck in prison.  Eventually God redeemed Joseph and raised him to the level of second in command over all of Egypt, but that wasn’t immediate. He had to wait years in prison. It worked out for Joseph, but for some people it may never work out from a safety, job, or physical perspective. They may never be raised to a prominent status or be acquitted in front of others. History shows that many have been killed or persecuted during their lifetime simply because they were making good character decisions—they stood against slavery, cared for the vulnerable or persecuted during times of war, sheltered Jews during the Holocaust, or refused a business deal that was corrupt.  

 The bottom line is, there is no guarantee that our good character will yield us great worldly results.   

2.     It always pays off with God

 Here is what we know about character: making right decisions—decisions of integrity and that honor God —will always pay off in God’s eyes. And that’s what matters, that’s most important. God is honored in our character. He protects, renews, restores and redeems those who choose to walk in the path of righteousness. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely” (Proverbs 10:9). God sees our thoughts, actions, and motives (see Psalm 139). God knows when we choose the moral decision over a compromise that would get us ahead. God is our defender.  

 Joseph lived and served with character, and God redeemed him. God used him.  Actually, God’s blessing was extended to many nations because of Joseph’s decision to be honest and trust the Lord—countless lives were saved through him. 

Godly character shines

Does Godly character always pay off? Yes, when we have an eternal perspective. It may not yield success or finances or a quick rise to prominence.  But each time we choose integrity in a difficult situation we are shaped more into someone God can use for His purposes. Remember God is looking for good and faithful servants who can be entrusted with much. (Matthew 25:14-30).   Choose what’s right and, like Joseph, allow your life to be used by the Lord.  

I encourage you to work with good character—with integrity, no matter the situation and no matter what the results might be. May our lives shine with good character to the glory of God! 

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