By Steve Higginbotham
I recently read of a man who was arrested for getting involved in a drunken brawl at a bar. When it came time for the man to stand before the judge in court, the judge asked the man, “Sir, what do you have to say for yourself?” The man looked directly at the judge and said, “Your honor, I’m not guilty. My reputation in this community is spotless.”
The judge then asked, “Sir, do you have anyone who can vouch for your character?” The man looked around the courtroom and pointed at the Sheriff saying, “He can vouch for me.” Upon hearing this, the Sheriff stood and said, “Your honor, I’ve never even seen this man before.” The defendant then turned to the judge with an “I told you so” look and said, “See your honor. I’ve lived here for 15 years and the Sheriff has never even seen me. Isn’t that character enough?”
It would seem that far too many people have chosen to live by the same philosophy of life. They measure their life by the avoidance of sins, vices, and bad habits. They suppose that as long as they refrain from certain activities, they are good citizens with a character to match.
However, Christianity is more demanding than this philosophy of life. Christianity measures our character by more factors that just “what we don’t do.” Christian character is indeed measured by the things we avoid, but it is also measured by the things we do. Christianity is active, not passive. It demands actions, not just inactivity. It requires participation, not just avoidance.
Christian character is not developed by simply keeping ourselves out of the gutter, but also by helping others out of the gutter. Christian character is not formed by simply avoiding such sins as lying, stealing, gossiping, and fornication, but is engaging by engaging oneself in such virtues as honesty, mercy, love, compassion, and forgiveness.
Take a look at your life. Take a long reflective look. What do you see? Do you find that your character is based primarily upon the things you don’t do? Or can you look at your life and honestly say that your character is based more on your active pursuit of Christian virtues?
Brethren, being a Christian is not always easy. God expects much. His is a high calling. We who are Christians must muster the courage to say “no” to the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. But more than that, we must say “yes” to the positive commands and qualities given by and lived out in the life of our Savior.
Someone once stated the following proverb: “Your calling on Earth was not to curse the darkness, but to reflect God’s light.” Be active in pursuit of developing your character.