A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.— Proverbs 22:1
More than anything else, the Presidency of the United States rests on the character of the person who inhabits the office. This is how the founders of the U.S. designed it. It was their idea to find a person in America with great character who would shape the character of the nation.
The first person they found was George Washington, a man who did this job splendidly. When he took the oath of office, he wrote, “I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.”
The annals of history are filled with men and women who’ve set examples of character that are worth emulating. Yet unfortunately, just as many or more people have set examples of character that teach us lessons on what not to do.
Now the truth is that our lives are going to be scrutinized according to the kind of character we’ve shown. When others look at us, they will either see a person they want to be like, or a person they don’t. And as today’s passage clearly says, someone with a good name (reputation) will be held in high esteem.
Don’t simply aspire to be mediocre in your character. Live a life of character that will leave a lasting example for generations to come!
Prayer Challenge
Ask God to help you live a life of character that will serve as an example to others of Christ-like living.
Questions for Thought
Think of someone whose character you admire. What words would you use to describe him or her?
When others look at your conduct, do you think they see those same character traits as the person you just answered? Why or why not?