Character

Do you have someone in your life that you look up to? 
Would you consider them to be a person of character?
Do they live up to their word, regardless of cost?
Do they honour their wife?  Would they die rather than pervert their covenant?

I have been blessed to have had men of character mentor me when I was a young man.  Had this not be the case, I would certainly be in a real mess today.  I was once headed down a road that tried to entice me regularly into deceit, corruption, and darkness.  Thankfully, I was able to recognize this and I made difficult decisions which - looking back - could only have been guided by the hand of God.

If I had sacrificed my integrity, honour, and character ... for the shallow, selfishness that this world offers, what a dark place I would be in today.  I would have lowered myself to the level of the kinds of people I despised. Those who would lie, cheat, steal, and betray colleagues - while looking them in the eye, and smiling as they do it.

But, the most painful at the time was the lost of what I mistakenly thought were solid friendships.  However, looking back, I realize they didn't know what a friend even is.  So in hindsight I am grateful for the fact that I was awakened in time to preserve my integrity.  Praise God!

This was confirmed for me when I met an old friend for lunch one day.  He made different choices, and had ended up where I may have been had I stayed on that deadly course.  I was so excited to have been shown the 'other path' ... and what I was saved from by making ethical choices.  What a joyous day that was.  I still remember practically bouncing back to my car ... but feeling sad for my old friend. 

The reward for being a man of honour, was and is - incredible blessing after blessing.  Don't get me wrong, I am not a good person either ... in fact I am a Wretch.  Thankfully one that is saved ...