Why does character matter? Life is short, and it’s more important to enjoy it while I can.

Matthew 5:8“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.”

Some believe that temporary thrills and pleasures that cater to the flesh will make them happy. They think that their lives are meant for them and their enjoyment. God’s Word shows another way and clues us in on the source of true, lasting happiness.

1 Corinthians 4:5So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

Sometimes you will be tempted to believe that you are exempt from the standards to which all others are subjected. Leaders who feel this way often abuse their position and authority. But you must remember that whatever is hidden will one day be revealed. Live your life and build your character to honor God and he will honor you.

Ezekiel 18:5-9“Suppose a certain man is righteous and does what is just and right. He does not feast in the mountains before Israel’s idols or worship them. He does not commit adultery . . . He is a merciful creditor, . . . He does not rob the poor but instead gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy. He grants loans without interest, stays away from injustice, is honest and fair when judging others, and faithfully obeys my decrees and regulations. Anyone who does these things is just and will surely live, says the Sovereign Lord.”

People often argue that one’s personal life does not really matter so long as they perform in their public work. God, however, does not make a distinction between your public and private life. Justice, righteousness, integrity, mercy, honesty, fairness, and faithfulness are essential traits of a godly person’s character because they reflect who a person really is. Such traits also demonstrate one understands what is truly important in life—loving, honoring, and respecting God and others.

1 Thessalonians 2:6-12As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you. You yourselves are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers. And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.

Character gives credibility. Your personal character will either verify or nullify your life’s work. Paul models how a life lived to please God honors others, too.