Super Character

"A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns" (Proverbs 12:2).

The Proverbs use lots of different words to describe people who walk in faith with the Lord. Today's passage uses the word, "good." Without theologically picking that word apart, I would say that most of us know what it means to be a "good man." I would also say we know what it means when a man is all about "evil devices." The good man receives good things from the Lord while the man of evil devices is declared guilty.

Consider these other words used of people, in Proverbs 11, who live their lives in close fellowship with God: upright (11:3), blameless (11:5), a man of understanding (11:12), trustworthy (11:13), kind (11:17), and generous (11:25). Wouldn't it be great to be known by such words? Regardless of the rewards that come with such character, wouldn't it be wonderful to be that person?

We are not called to be the world's Superhero. We are called to walk humbly with God as people of super character. Consider the tragedy of being known as a person of evil devices. Surely when offered the opportunity to be a person of super character verses a person of evil character, we will choose the better option.

How are you known at work? What is your reputation at home? What words are used to describe you when you are not around? If you are the person you truly desire to be and the kind of person who receives the blessing of God, consider yourself fortunate. You are only that way by the grace of God so there is no room to boast. If you find you are not that person, cry out to God for His grace. He is ready and willing to mold you into the kind of person who represents Him well to the world. The kind of person who exchanges condemnation for blessing. A person of super character!