Have you ever noticed that the most compelling, engaging, and inspiring stories or testimonies tend to have a lot of drama, conflict, and adversity in them? In the movies, if a character doesn’t emerge stronger, victorious over whatever challenge he or she was facing, the story fails to inspire.
In job interviews and in our resumes, what showcases our characters best are the challenges we faced, the problems we solved, the obstacles we overcame, and the improvements we made. These are the things of substance that interviewers find most compelling. What we did and how we handled it defines our added value; that resonates with interviewers.
So how does character mature? It is formed, fired, and molded by the traits and attributes we call into action during tough times. Attributes that can only be summoned and empowered into action by the grace of God: humility, forgiveness, faith, patience, perseverance, and vigilance.
Let’s take a look at what God has to say about good character, integrity, and establishing a reputation worthy of honor, and worthy of emulating.
He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. [Proverbs 10:9]
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. [Philippians 4:8]
A good name is to be more desired than great riches. Favor is better than silver and gold. [Proverbs 22:1]
In the verse above we are advised that a good name (reputation) is to be more desired (sought after) than fame or fortune. Favor is better than silver or gold. Secular favor means to have approval or to be preferred. It could manifest itself as a work promotion; there may be someone who is more qualified on paper, but because the boss sees something greater in you or special about you - approval is granted in your favor.
Why do we even need favor? We need it to endure future tough times and to showcase God’s Grace to those watching us. A good name, strong reputation, our gifts and talents, all make a way for us and brings us before great men. In today’s vernacular: new clients; promotions; advancement and discovery of talent.
The wise in heart will be called discerning [prudent], and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. [Proverbs 16:21]
If you are in one of the fields of communications, marketing, or sales, you’ll want to read the verse above again and again. Here’s the formula: seek wisdom and find discernment. Season in a big lump of understanding and insight with a pinch of kindness and sincerity of speech, and your persuasiveness increases. More wins, more sales, greater success.
[Like what your reading? There’s more where this came from – deeper studies of scriptural stories in my book, Legacies of Valor – Traits of Character: The Noble & The Notable. Support this blog ministry by ordering a copy of Legacies of Valor today]
Friends, it’s great to get feedback and confirmation that I’m not just writing to a black hole – so please - before you leave – take a moment to “like” and “share” these posts with your social network. Together, we can encourage many – one post at a time.
So how does character mature? It is formed, fired, and molded by the traits and attributes we call into action during tough times. Attributes that can only be summoned and empowered into action by the grace of God: humility, forgiveness, faith, patience, perseverance, and vigilance.
Let’s take a look at what God has to say about good character, integrity, and establishing a reputation worthy of honor, and worthy of emulating.
He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. [Proverbs 10:9]
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. [Philippians 4:8]
A good name is to be more desired than great riches. Favor is better than silver and gold. [Proverbs 22:1]
In the verse above we are advised that a good name (reputation) is to be more desired (sought after) than fame or fortune. Favor is better than silver or gold. Secular favor means to have approval or to be preferred. It could manifest itself as a work promotion; there may be someone who is more qualified on paper, but because the boss sees something greater in you or special about you - approval is granted in your favor.
Why do we even need favor? We need it to endure future tough times and to showcase God’s Grace to those watching us. A good name, strong reputation, our gifts and talents, all make a way for us and brings us before great men. In today’s vernacular: new clients; promotions; advancement and discovery of talent.
The wise in heart will be called discerning [prudent], and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. [Proverbs 16:21]
If you are in one of the fields of communications, marketing, or sales, you’ll want to read the verse above again and again. Here’s the formula: seek wisdom and find discernment. Season in a big lump of understanding and insight with a pinch of kindness and sincerity of speech, and your persuasiveness increases. More wins, more sales, greater success.
[Like what your reading? There’s more where this came from – deeper studies of scriptural stories in my book, Legacies of Valor – Traits of Character: The Noble & The Notable. Support this blog ministry by ordering a copy of Legacies of Valor today]
Friends, it’s great to get feedback and confirmation that I’m not just writing to a black hole – so please - before you leave – take a moment to “like” and “share” these posts with your social network. Together, we can encourage many – one post at a time.
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