Character is What Matters
ICS Daily Devotions
1 Kings 9:4-5 (NKJV) Now if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgements, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’
David knew God, and it kept him humble. He desired to please God. Of course, David was less than perfect, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. He committed adultery with Bethsheba but repented when he was confronted by Samuel. He picked himself up after repentance and continued walking with God.
In the opening Scripture, God was teaching King Solomon what it took to ensure the continuity of the throne of Israel. It was to walk in God’s statutes and commandments, with integrity of heart and righteousness. The Mosaic Covenant was a conditional covenant, whereby God’s blessings would only be present when they walked in His ways. Similarly, we will also reap the consequences of our flesh through the decisions we make, even though God loves us unconditionally in the New Covenant. God is not mocked, because we will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-8). However, as new creations, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in God’s ways. Therefore, we can walk with the integrity of our hearts and do works of righteousness.
It takes character to carry the anointing God has given us in our roles and responsibilities in the church and at work. The devil is not afraid of our anointing; all he needs to do is attack our character by feeding our ego. Pride will develop and lead to our downfall. We will begin to think that we have single-handedly built the business, the work, or the ministry. Therefore, it is better to employ and promote someone with character because such people will go far with us. It is easier to train a person of character than a gifted one, because a person of character is humble enough to listen. A prideful person will not listen to others’ opinions nor be a good team player. They will be full of self, have a form of godliness, but deny the power of God in their life to bear the fruit of righteousness.
Spiritual or godly leaders will not make any significant move in their lives without seeking the face of God. David inquired of the Lord on many occasions before he attacked the enemies. He was reliant on God. We need to lay down our rights to our lives and truly desire God to be Lord over us. Living a consecrated life is one which is set apart for the Lord in holiness, just as the Lord is holy. It covers every aspect of our lives: our life partner, managing our wealth and assets, gifting, and our career. Choosing to live for God this way enables us to always seek the Lord’s will and direction for our lives.
Sermon Series: Walk into Your Calling
