Character, How much do you own in that direction ?

Character is not something we were born with and cannot change, just like a fingerprint. It is something we were not born with and must take responsibility for forming and becoming. Our character is what determines How we do what we do. How we do what we do is what determines our influence with other people. In my life and job I have seen core character take a back seat to core competency, core values and common sense being common practice. When in fact if we look at our tightest circle of folks who are close to us it should be core character that is in the center of the relationship irrespective of genealogy , character is attractive and desired. Character gives and build influence, We all have influence on some level, with some people. If we want to increase our influence, impact more people, and create a legacy in the lives of others, we must start by accepting the responsibility for striving to be better ourselves. The key is to be able to lead ourselves well before we can lead others. Mistakes are part of the process if we make them an opportunity for improvement, they can become a valuable experience of what to or even better as I have learned the hard way, what not to do next time. We can then, use the experience and the lesson to take additional actions to develop our character. It reminds me of a conversation my dad had with a local real estate baron when I was growing up in Mineral Wells that has stuck with me all of these years. I overheard the man tell my dad that he owned so many houses and hotels in town as well as some of the surrounding towns like Graham and Weatherford boastfully. I remember my dad placing his hand on the man’s shoulder and pointing heavenward, He told him sternly, how much do you own in that direction? I remember the conversation ended on that note and my dad telling me on the way home he was praying for old so and so to focus on not making temporary prestigious investments and to put Jesus and His Kingdom business first. Jesus is the business and all that matters Jon Mark. That memory reminds me, Reading the bible, there was a man named Levi. Levi was similar to my dad’s friend, but Dad’s friend had a tragic ending with an unchanged character. Levi was a tax collector, that was his character, that was what he was known for. Possibly becoming rich by manipulation and dishonest dealings, a shrewd opportunist. I can only imagine, he must have been lonely, dissatisfied and friendless, despised and hated, envied, outcast and rejected. Levi though envied by most because he seemed to have it made by worldly standards, but was he a fulfilled man, was he a tired man, was he at the end of his rope. It seems he had limited his character to self- service. The good news is Jesus knew before the foundation of the world who are those who are his. He passed by at Levi’s tax booth and ask him to follow Him. Levi was so busy doing his regular task but immediately halted from his work and responded at once. I have noticed most every time God calls someone they are busy. God never goes to the lazy or the idle when he needs someone for his service . When God wants a worker . When he has work to be done. He goes to those who are already at work. When God wants a great servant , He calls a busy person. Scripture and history attest this truth. It is also noteworthy that the name Levi means "Joined" probably he wished to be with some true friends or he wanted to be accepted because of his status, Rejected, hated as tax collector. Immediately upon meeting Jesus, Jesus Changed his name to Matthew meaning " Gift from God. He became truly a gift of God to all of us because we owe to him the first book of the New Testament. The contradiction is us as believers, how are we dealing with shrewd people we know ? In our business ? circle of friends? Neighbors? Are we like Jesus or the world ? In closing Matthew’s life is a move from boredom to freedom, uncertainty to certainty, Propositions to purpose and he walked with Jesus with changed character all of the way to the cross and ministered and preached the words and work of Jesus to all who would hear thereafter. Matthew was an eyewitness and wrote the first and the longest gospel with an inspired and accurate true history of the life of Jesus Christ. This answers the question of what Matthew did as a person just like us, What he did with Jesus ? You can read the book of Matthew to find out for yourself. By the way, Jesus Christ can change our character and life if we let Him just as Jesus did with Matthew who was one of Jesus’ most powerful examples of the forgiveness God offers everyone. This tax collector was reviled and hated for who he was, but Jesus loved him for who he was. And despite his position as a religious outsider, Jesus gave him a prominent and leading position within what would eventually become the same Christianity we follow today. In closing, people do not trust people who have flawed character, Good character will open up doors for lasting relationships with those around us. The transforming power of God is the only thing that will successfully build, increase, maintain and sustain our character. Character is not just having integrity or honesty or doing the right thing, it is not one aspect or even a few, it is a living, growing relationship in Christ. In the end our legacy should not only be we were passionate about what we did, but peaceful while we were doing it. Make it a great day for yourself and someone else as we live to love and share Jesus with others.

Proverbs 20: 6- 7

Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

Romans 5:1- 5

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.