Reputation vs. Character

When I started reading my bible today I was pulled to a section called, “Look Up.” I use the daily walk Bible and there are these extra tidbits to read about what the Scriptures say. Todays was so good I thought, nothing I write could compare. Here is the devotion as it’s written regarding Job: 18-19. 

Reputation is what others think you are; character is what God knows you are. And when your reputation and character are both blameless, you have integrity-the ring of authenticity in the life of the child of God. Integrity is behaving in the dark just as you would in the light. It is being what you say you are and doing what you said you would even when no one is watching. It is consistency of character, with no hidden agenda or twisted motive. Integrity is what causes you to tell the truth, regardless of how tempting it might be to shade the truth. It’s what prompts you to tell the cashier you’ve received too much change, to give back the wallet someone lost without first counting its contents, to drive one mile under (rather than over) the speed limit, to be one minute early, rather than late, for an appointment, to stand up for what is right even if you stand alone. When Job’s world came crashing down around him, he no doubt faced an avalanche of emotional responses: fear, frustration, anger, bitterness, confusion and bewilderment. Unknown to Job, a celestial drama was unfolding between God and Satan-with Job as the center of attention. God was inviting Satan to observe one of his choicest servants and to discover what a blameless and upright man looks like-one who holds fast to his integrity. Job’s character in the crucible of adversity was so remarkable that even his wife found it unbelievable (2:9).

I loved it! I loved how this challenges me to think about my character and integrity especially when nobody’s looking. What do I want my legacy to be and what do I want people to think of me? The other great thing I loved reading was that even as there was a war going on between Satan and God that Job couldn’t see, so is there a war between God and Satan for your heart.  If you’re someone going through a terrible situation right now, think about how the “behind the scenes” may look for you. Maybe God is saying to Satan, “Look at (Insert your name here), they are one of my choicest servants.” On the opposite of this, if your life is going great and you don’t feel Satan’s attacks, maybe you want to reflect on your life and ask yourself, “Am I a threat to the Devil?” If you’re not, it’s no wonder the Devil is leaving you alone. I want to live a life full of integrity and I want the Devil to be threatened by me. Making a commitment to read Scripture daily is my step towards making those a reality.