Character: Who You Are When Nobody is Looking

“He who walks in integrity and with moral character walks securely, But he who takes a crooked way will be discovered and punished.” Proverbs 10:9 AMP

“To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” Theodore Roosevelt

When I was very little, a neighbor lady, whom I adored, said I was such a character and she was very loving when she said it. I was so proud, even though I had no idea what it meant. I told my family at dinner that night our neighbor called me a “tractor.” Mom knew what I meant and the whole family laughed while Mom tried to help me pronounce character–More importantly, how to have good character.

There are tractors in our lives. Those that plow us under with all the rocks and debris without looking back. It’s our decision how to respond: Character. We still choose how to react. (1 John 2:1)

There are sins that are tractors. Cheating, lying, abusing others or substances, stealing, swearing and more, of course. These tractors will plow us under too. In the Father’s world, there is no such thing as a little cheating, lying, etc. If we do a little, we’ll do a lot—good and bad. Confess to the Father and each other with prayer. (James 5:16)

Toxic tractors. Yep. Those that shame, lie and manipulate. Time to run from them! Tractors can’t go very fast. You don’t need to explain. Ever. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Fear tractors. From speaking in front of an audience to taking responsibility, if we’re paralyzed, down and under we go. We need supernatural power. (Isaiah 41:10)

Trauma tractors. These need professional help. All trauma tractors need the Father’s help and each other. (Psalm 91:4-6)

And tractors are necessary for our growth. They can plow under what looks dead and not useful into the soil but with water, fertilizer, the right choices in planting, and the Father’s will, up comes a bountiful harvest. (1Peter 2:2-3)

Musings

Our Father never intended for us to be plowed under but since the Garden, we have been. Human nature. Our Father causes all things to become good if we love Him. We need Jesus’ nature. He gave us the Holy Spirit who will teach us ALL things. (John 14:26)

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for rescuing us from the things that can plow us under. Help us to learn from those difficult times and to help others. May we remember that we may plant but You are the Harvest.

Amen.