Performance Never Outweighs Character
Character. We hear about it all the time. Whether it is politics or parenting, leading or following, having it or lacking it. What we all can agree on is that character is important.
The dictionary defines character as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. That basically boils down to a person’s values. What we value is important, and it is reflected in our words, our actions, our decisions, our relationships and how we live. That sounds pretty clear, right? We think of ourselves as having pretty good character most of the time, don’t we? But let me ask you this:
Is what is important to God what is important to you?
In our society today, the people who are leaders are not always leaders because they have proven character. Sometimes people gain leadership positions because they are gifted, skilled or talented. They may be good communicators, loud voices or strong personalities. Sometimes it is because of who they know or what they’ve done in the past. We step into dangerous territory when we notice people’s performances, results, or what they can get done, rather than the character and values that they reflect. This includes our own selves, too.
Sometimes, people gain leadership positions because they do have proven character, but then things change. They begin to value the success more than the original mission. They begin to disregard other valuable voices in order to get their way. They may even begin to respond in anger, disrespect, and disregard for others and God. What they want becomes more valuable than what God wants for them.
So where do we go with this? We ask that question again:
Is what is important to God what is important to you?
When we truly value those things that God values - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - our characters are developed and strengthened. Whatever things we accomplish become secondary. When we focus on those things that are important to HIM, we are transformed into His ambassadors. We care more about who we ARE than what we DO.
In his book “Lead”, Paul David Tripp emphasizes that “we cannot serve leadership idols and be ambassadors at the same time.” We can’t pursue power, being right, being respected and being in control without slipping on our path as ambassadors. They are paths in opposite directions. Tripp goes on to say that “The danger in… leadership is that something else will begin to take the place of the gospel in your mind and heart, and if it does, you will no longer value what your Savior values or conduct yourself in a way that pleases him.”
Friends, let’s model our character after the One who created us. Let’s hold one another accountable to this important role of Christ ambassadors over power, effectiveness, accomplishment or success. Character is what is important to God. Let’s make it important to us, too. It is here that He says well done. -Matthew 25:23