A Good Character Needs No Words

The unfolding era of corruption in the world has become a routine spectacle.

Whether in the political, religious, labor, or family scenarios, reports of corruption, immorality, and impropriety are common.

Men and women do not seem to care about having a good name anymore. It seems that honor, ethics, and morals can be purchased for the right price, and many enjoy a large bank account as a result. To have a good name, you must first have a good character and not give in to lies, deception, and perversity. To be women of integrity, we need to change some habits. Integrity is not just a word but a quality that develops over time.

Integrity is not demonstrated by words. It is revealed by your actions that show your worth. When you live for the world, only the things of the world matter, but when you live for God, your values change. When Jesus preached, some people who listened to Him considered themselves whole and perfect. But He warned them soundly, “I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20, NIV). Most of His followers were poor yet often proud.

They longed for a king to free them from their troubles, one who would work to meet their worldly needs. Because of this, they were no different from the heathen whom they hated. Their focus needed to change from the world to the kingdom of heaven.

The Master’s precious lesson speaks to our hearts today.

We need to be whole in everything.

If our integrity is superficial, if it exists only in what is seen, then we need to shift focus and reach the heart level. To be women who are different from the world, faithful, honest with others, with ourselves, and with God, we must allow the Lord fully into our lives.

In this way, our lives will demonstrate character that magnifies His name.

When we place our value only on the external and not on building good character, we will never be truly happy.

Only a character molded after the likeness of the Son of God will allow us to be the instruments Jesus needs to help save people for eternal life.

Sueli da Silva Pereira