Character, dear parishioners, is everything
Romans 5:4
And endurance produces character, and character produces hope.
Character is who you are on the inside. No matter how hard you try to hide it, it always pops up. Character is your integrity. Alot of people misunderstand the difference between integrity and dignity. Dignity is what you present, that character you want others to see, that painted and polished reputation. Integrity however is the ability of having a good moral principal, not just in the public, but also when no one is watching. Below are some steps you can use to build a Godly character.
STEP ONE: UPHOLD INTEGRITY
No one was around when Potiphar's wife asked Joseph to have a carnal knowledge of her in Genesis 39, but Joseph stood his ground, that's integrity.
Genesis 39:7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 39:8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 39:9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
STEP TWO: PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH
Titus 2:7-8 ESV
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
STEP THREE: TREAT OTHERS HOW YOU WANT TO BE TREATED
Luke 6:31 ESV
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
STEP FOUR: KEEP GOOD FRIENDS
Whether you like it or not, friends have a huge influence on our character. Who you always talk to has a way of influencing your decisions and behavior. Keeping positive friends and good companies enhances your attitude. When your friends doesn't see it as a big deal to abuse someone, you'll gradually feel comfortable abusing people. Choose your friends wisely.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
STEP FIVE: GUARD YOUR THOUGHTS JEALOUSLY
What you meditate on really matters alot. If your imagination is pure, your actions would be positive. But if your thoughts are polluted, then you can never produce anything positive. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Your mouth only voices out what your heart has processed. But how do you meditate positive things? Feed yourself with positive contents, restrain your eyes from ungodly contents, don't dump junky information in your brain through illicit movies and ungodly clips and articles. Always think positively!
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
FINALLY: LEARN FROM MELISSA'S MISTAKE
Melissa is a young lady and a fresh graduate who thought beauty can get her whatever she wants. What happened to Melissa gave me a jaw-down and taught me a valuable lesson. She was lucky to have an "uncle" who knows someone that can get her CV to the right place.
She was so happy when she got a text that she's been enlisted for interview. Lucky Melissa, she just graduated and has been given such golden opportunity to be part of a huge company. She wasn't the most qualified, but influence took her up.
She got to the company early and was told to hang around. One of the staff members whispered to her to stick around the company so she can be available when called upon. She sited Crunches just across the road and decided to chill with a scoop of ice cream while waiting.
With so much anticipation, she kept staring at her phone and boom, a call came in. It wasn't the company, but Ayo, a hardworking dude who's been trying to get Melissa's attention. She rudely shut Ayo off and focused on her ice cream. "This broke boy shouldn't bring me badluck today o, she murmured". Few minutes after her rude call, a nerdy looking young man who's been watching her walked up to her and tried to start a conversation.
"Hi, I'm Jombo, you must be?"
Mr. Jombo was brutally snubbed by Melissa.
He kept on talking for almost 10minutes and the most embarrassing moment of his life played out. Melissa reached out to her handbag, brought out her earpiece and blocked her ears with a loud music. Mr. Jombo felt really embarrassed and walked away.
Few minutes after, she received a text from the company, telling her that she's not qualified for the Job. She was shocked. "Not even an interview?" She concluded that it's either a mistake or a mistake. Quickly, she walked straight into the company to tell them that she's yet to be interviewed. She was directed to the HR office and behold, she experienced the greatest shock of her life. Mr. Jombo is the head of recruitment. It's been all a test if she has communication skills. She failed woefully because of her character. She went home really sad, concluding that the village people sent Ayo to give her badluck.
