{"id":605,"date":"2020-06-02T10:12:21","date_gmt":"2020-06-02T15:12:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/?p=605"},"modified":"2022-12-19T13:25:07","modified_gmt":"2022-12-19T19:25:07","slug":"does-godly-character-always-pay-off","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/does-godly-character-always-pay-off\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Godly Character Always Pay Off?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever wondered if making the right decision is the best decision?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>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\u2014something I am never mistaken for\u2014but because he shows this incredible resolve to do what\u2019s right even under the most trying circumstances. From enslavement to imprisonment and every difficulty in between, Joseph perseveres and continues to choose what\u2019s right. To me, Joseph shows astonishing character that reflects his deep trust in God.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span>What exactly is Character?<\/b><\/p>\n

I recently heard someone say, \u201c<\/span>Character is doing the right thing when nobody but God is watching.<\/span><\/i>\u201d I resonated with that statement. It stuck with me because I have always perceived character as something that is revealed in the secret places\u2014kind 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\u2019s thoughts, motives, and intentions as well as words, actions and choices\u2014all wrapped together in one.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>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\u2019s here where our character is put to the test.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span>Does Godly character pay off?<\/b><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. <\/b> \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>It may never pay off from the world\u2019s perspective.\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u00a0<\/span>I think it is important to understand that we do the right thing not because it will or may \u201cpay off\u201d but because it is the right thing to do. <\/span>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\u2019s business strategy. It is not. We don\u2019t make a moral or honest decision because it may yield some benefit to us; we make it because it is the right decision\u2014a decision that will honor God.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/span>Joseph made a good moral choice by avoiding an inappropriate relationship with Potiphar\u2019s wife. However, that choice left him wrongly accused and stuck in prison.\u00a0 Eventually God redeemed Joseph and raised him to the level of second in command over all of Egypt, but that wasn\u2019t immediate. He had to wait <\/span>years in prison<\/span><\/i>. 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\u2014they 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/span>The bottom line is, there is no guarantee that our good character will yield us great worldly results.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. <\/b> \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>It always pays off with God<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \u00a0<\/span>Here is what we know about character: making right decisions\u2014decisions of integrity and that honor God \u2014will always pay off in God\u2019s eyes. And that\u2019s what matters, that\u2019s most important. God is honored in our character. He protects, renews, restores and redeems those who choose to walk in the path of righteousness. \u201c<\/span>Whoever walks in integrity walks securely<\/span><\/i>\u201d (Proverbs 10:9).<\/span> 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/span>Joseph lived and served with character, and God redeemed him. God used him.\u00a0 Actually, God\u2019s blessing was extended to many nations because of Joseph\u2019s decision to be honest and trust the Lord\u2014countless lives were saved through him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n


      \n<\/span>Godly character shines<\/b><\/p>\n

      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.\u00a0 <\/span>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).<\/span> \u00a0 Choose what\u2019s right and, like Joseph, allow your life to be used by the Lord.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      I encourage you to work with good character\u2014with 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!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

      \n

      Growth Point:<\/h4>\n

      Godly character may not yield worldly success, but it never goes unnoticed by God<\/span><\/p>\n

      Scripture Point:<\/h4>\n

      Read 2 Peter 1:5-7.\u00a0 What do these verses say about Godly character?<\/span><\/p>\n

      Action Point:<\/h4>\n

      Consider memorizing a verse like 2 Peter 1:5-7 that reminds you of God\u2019s call to Godly character.\u00a0 Allow this verse to lead you during times of difficulty.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

      <\/div><\/div><\/div>
      sources<\/h6>\n<\/div>
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