Be of good character

"For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions." Psalm 51:1 NIV

In an article posted yesterday by Mlive out of Michigan, Karissa Picard's character was said to be on full display. A senior at Bay City Western, this runner shared that she always envisioned that when she crossed the finish line at the track and field state finals, it would be a moment of glory. It was a moment of glory alright, but not the way she planned. Bunched up in a tight pack with less than 300 meters to go, Picard got her feet tangled in traffic, stumbled and tumbled to the ground. That’s when the fastest 800 runner in Western history showed that not everything in track is measured by a stopwatch. Picard sprung to her feet and dashed to the finish, crossing in 2:17.33. “A number of coaches told me how impressed they were with how she got up and finished like she did,” Western coach Mike Nesbitt said. “It would have been easy to lay on the ground and have a pity party. But she got up and ran – probably with anger and adrenalin – and gave it everything she had. “She may not have won a medal, but she won a lot of respect. It shows her character..."

And you know, if a person's character can be defined as the aggregate of features and traits that form their individual nature, then it's the sum of a person's actions over time that determine who they are, not random acts or isolated actions. Consider King David who was called a man after God's own heart. He wasn't without fault by any means. David was a sinner just like you and me. But he loved the Lord with all his heart and when convicted of his sin with Bathsheba repented saying, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions." In fact, David was considered a man of good character because, although he wasn't perfect, he lived each day with the desire to be found righteous in the eyes of God. 

So in a world where you can be anything, be a person of good character my friend; a person who is not without faults but is consistent in the pursuit of being like Christ, especially when you get knocked down. Your life will not only win the respect of those around you (even the lost who might be inspired to seek Jesus because of the way you live) but will bring glory to the Father. And isn't that our ultimate goal? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our character is not defined by our temporary slip-ups, sins or setbacks but by the sum of the way we live each day over the course of our whole lives. Help us Lord to be known as people who consistently seek You above all else, who love others the way that You do, who are always willing to help those in need, and who genuinely seek to be like Jesus. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!