Our character is who we are in God's estimation, for only He truly knows us. Unlike reputation, which is shaped by others' opinions, character reflects our true nature and moral strength. God, seeing us better than we see ourselves, knows our hearts and works tirelessly on our behalf. His Spirit and Word convert our thinking, revealing truth and instilling a desire to conform to His image. As we grow in His way of living, we look back at our past with humility, desiring to please Him and act acceptably before Him. These changes, gifts from God, cultivate godly character when we follow through. God provides examples in His Word of individuals who strived to live according to His will, reflecting faith, hope, and love. Through Jesus Christ, the true nature and character of God were manifested, seen, heard, and touched by those who walked with Him. This should inform how we live each day, setting our approach and attitude in prayer and worship, always remembering we are in His presence. Speaking of Him with reverence, as Jesus did, aids greatly in developing our character in harmony with our holy God. A good name, tied to character, is more valuable than riches, for wealth is temporary, but character is spiritual and endures beyond the grave. God calls us to be perfect and holy as He is, establishing His image within us and implanting the riches of His holy character. Aligning ourselves with His character is paramount in our preparation for His Kingdom. Though change can be difficult, clinging to Him provides strength and guidance. By faithfully following Christ, we grow into His image, and on that day, He will find us because we will be like Him and known by Him.

Obedience to God's moral laws, statutes, and judgments brings great benefits, including the development of godly character. When we choose to follow God, He begins forming each of us into His and His Son's image, enriching our lives and characters far beyond what we could achieve on our own. As we strive to reflect His character in our daily activities, speech, and thinking, we learn to love Him and desire to be like Him. None of us is born with godly attributes; they must be acquired over a lifetime of instruction and often painful experiences. God works with us in this transformation from the old man to the new, requiring our active participation through the choices we make. Sin opposes the creation of godly character and destroys it, while good habits and virtuous behavior can be contagious, encouraging Christian growth among one another. We have a responsibility to choose actions that build godly character, glorifying His name and reflecting well on others in the church. Our character, whether good or bad, is who we are in God's estimation, a true picture of us that we must maintain and transform to be more Christ-like. Bending our will toward God is essential in this creative process, as refusing to change is akin to spiritual suicide. Day by day, through minor decisions, we learn virtues like patience, charity, forgiveness, and self-control, slowly weaving these into the fabric of our character as part of the process of conversion and the perfecting of the saints.

Character in leadership is of paramount importance. Holding a position of leadership implies holding power, and only people of good character can handle power properly. Character in leadership is where it matters most, yet today, moral character is not considered a first priority in leaders. God has called His children to become His sons and daughters, to fill offices of leadership as kings and priests in His Kingdom. Every ruler in His Kingdom will have His personal stamp of approval on their character, for He will ensure that only those with perfect character will rule. Christ, as the Judge of all, will not allow scoundrels or those of moderate character to bear rule in His Kingdom. Character means everything to those called out by God, and it is integral to leadership, whether human or divine. A person's personal life inevitably affects their public life, as they cannot be separated. If a leader makes poor decisions in private matters, it is logical to expect poor decisions in public matters as well. As Jesus teaches, what comes out of a man defiles him, for from within the heart proceed all manner of evil thoughts and deeds. A person carries what is inside them wherever they go, and those internal traits will affect whatever they do. If their heart is filled with good and benevolent characteristics, they will act with kindness and generosity in every situation. Conversely, if their heart is filled with hate and self-seeking, they will act meanly and selfishly toward everyone.

In a world where image often overshadows substance, the true essence of a person lies not just in reputation but in character. Reputation, defined as the estimation in which a person is commonly held, can be misleading, especially when built on perceptions or deception rather than reality. Character, however, is the real defining aspect that must underpin reputation to reveal who a person truly is, not merely how they appear. A good name, as highlighted in Proverbs 22:1, is to be chosen over great riches, signifying a blend of honor, authority, and character that outweighs worldly wealth or status. Without character, a reputation lacks foundation, leaving one in moral or spiritual poverty. Jesus Christ, in His humility, made Himself of no reputation, yet left a legacy of righteous character as a man, demonstrating that true worth is built through lifelong endeavor, not fleeting impressions. Ecclesiastes 7:1-8 reinforces this by comparing a good name to precious ointment, emphasizing that character is forged over time, evident only at life's end through patient growth rather than prideful shortcuts. Among those who know us best, character becomes a visible part of reputation, as seen in Acts 6:1-3, where men of good reputation were chosen as deacons based on evident godly qualities and wisdom. God's many names reflect His unblemished reputation and character, embodying traits like faithfulness and mercy, proving He fulfills His promises. For us, while a tarnished reputation can be mended through growth in character, especially in God's eyes, the ultimate goal is to prioritize character over mere perception. As John Wooden aptly stated, character is what we are, while reputation is only what others think we are. Like Christ, we must be willing to forgo worldly reputation, focusing on holy and righteous character as the true mark of our identity before God.