We are an achievement-oriented society. In subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle ways, we judge those around us by what they do and what they have accomplished. We each have our own value scale associated with certain jobs and achievements. Think of our first impression when someone we are introduced to reveals that he or she is a lawyer, or owns their own business, or does construction work, or is a pastor, or stays at home with the kids, or is an author, or is unemployed. The point is not whether we think favorably or unfavorably about these particular roles, but that we tend to judge the person by their role. Where does character fit in? And to take this a step further, where does our own character fit into our own sense of value and worth?

I believe that our fruitfulness, our impact in this world, has more to do with who we are than what we do or accomplish. Certainly, what we do and accomplish is important and can make a difference, but who we are changes lives, and changed lives change the world.

Shortly after my daughter’s death, I wrote about her, “Perrin honored God by her being, not by her doing. Although she was able to have some incredible experiences during the seven years of her cancer, she did not do much. She wrote a little, rarely spoke in public of her situation. She lived the life given her. She loved people and cared more about them than herself. She suffered with remarkable grace. She smiled, she was always grateful and kind. She almost never complained and was never bitter. Not many people even knew how amazing she really was, and yet her life, her being, reached thousands. I have no doubt that if cancer had never raised its head in her life, she would have, through her being, still reached thousands. We mistakenly think that what is important is what we do. And that is important to some extent. But it is our being, who we really are, that speaks volumes and affects and changes people. Lots of people do well, are successful, are impactful. But not many people be well. Few people impact us simply by their presence. Perrin certainly did!”

When Samuel was looking for the person God was choosing to replace Saul as king, God said to Samuel, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7) Proverbs says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Prov. 4:23)

o   Do you believe that who you are, your character, your heart, is more important than what you do?

o   Do you invest as much in the quality of your character as your accomplishments?

o   Do you have a character of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13? Patient, kind, not envious, humble, not self-seeking, not easily angered, forgiving, lover of truth, persevering.

Guard your heart. Grow your heart. Soften your heart. Invest in your heart.

Happy Thanksgiving!