With Character Comes Success

Courage Births Character

Nations are built on the characters of mighty men. Godly men. As we make it our top priority to lean on the Lord, to surround ourselves with men of good character, following their ways we will bear much fruit. David’s heart was dedicated to God. In every way. He was mighty yet he was humble. He was sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and his ear was attuned to the Comforter’s commands. He was a shepherd and during the long hours in the darkness of the night pastures, he was on guard ready to rescue a lamb or sheep. They were all like his children and didn’t shrink back in fear when courage was demanded. He was used to defending those who couldn’t defend themselves. When he went into battle against Goliath confident that he would win, he was depending on God. As the giant, (a type of Satan) sneered contemptuously at him, David boldly declared prophetically,

“You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45 NLT).

This demonstration of courage is an example of what God will require of us as one of His soldiers. We not only need to know how to cry out to God but how to face the enemy with courage, the word of His power, and the weapons of warfare we have been given.

Though David was handsome, strong, and clearly a cut above his companions, it was his humility, gentleness, and kindness that drew his followers to him. He cared about others more than himself. He was anything but self-conscious and He would express his love for the Lord exuberantly in praise and worship, not fazed by the disdain of those who may be watching. It was this all-consuming expression of worship, no matter what the circumstances, that filled the Lord with such joy. This total abandonment in adoration is what God is searching for in us.

Nations Fall When Character Crumbles

But not all of David’s descendants were like him. King Jeroboam was an evil man who oppressed his people to the point of utter rebellion. They refused to serve him. The contempt this king openly expressed toward God brought misery upon all Israel. And when Jehoahaz, son of Jehu began to rule over Israel he also did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. He followed the example of Jeroboam, executing the sins of idolatry that the former king had led Israel to commit. Yet God continued to be merciful raising up a deliverer to rescue the suffering Israelites when He heard the evil king’s cry for help! You’d think that there would be repentance after peace had returned to the nation, “but they continued to sin following the evil example of Jeroboam.” (2 Kings 13:6)

Hardened hearts and rebellious souls, worship of power, and fear that what God has given us will be snatched away—these attributes cause us to manipulate, to seduce, to lie, and to cheat. How much better would it be if we truly trusted God believing that He will order our steps, direct our paths and give us the desires of our hearts? Doesn’t He say, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father” (James 1:17)? Why bother seeking the things we desire without God, when He promises that His blessings will overtake us?

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.