“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5)
Every man has his price, or so they say. George Washington put it this way: “Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.” If that is true, then one must ask the question, “What is your price?” We are living in a society where increasingly there are no absolutes; it’s whatever is right for you. Men and women of conviction, however, hold onto higher standards. Down through history, some American Presidents have been great examples of character demonstrated through their convictions. Others have simply had a reputation. And yes, there is a difference.
Have you ever heard the narrative about the manager who was calling to obtain information about someone he was thinking of hiring? Inquiring about the potential hire, he told the person with whom he was speaking that he was seeking a character reference on the individual. The reply was, “Oh he is quite a character.” End of story . . . apparently the man’s reputation preceded him.
As Christians, our convictions determine our character. God’s word offers us truths that as believers become uncompromising as we grow stronger in the faith. Persons with integrity have a resilient set of values, so much that if they falter – it’s as if the real person is lost. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”
In his letter to the church at Thessalonica (1Thes.1:4-5 above), Paul indicates that our deepest convictions are embraced and given power by the Holy Spirit. There is this unmistakable tie between our convictions and our character; so much that even in our darkest times of distress, holding onto our convictions can be one the greatest opportunities to affirm our character. Again Paul’s words to the church at Rome: “… but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
It’s fairly simple for many individuals to offer public displays of personality that presume a life of integrity and character. But when you are alone, and it’s just you and God – who are you? For, “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” (John Wooden) When we are absent that character, we’ve just ended up being a clearance item in the Presidents’ Day sale.
REFLECTION: What convictions do you hold that guide your conduct? When you compromise your values, how do you reconcile that with God? In your daily walk this week, apply 1 Corinthians 15:33 to your life: “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” Are you for sale? What do need to do to maintain your convictions?
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