The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.
– Proverbs 10:9 (Holman Christian Standard)

My favorite coach of all-time has to be John Wooden. His impact on the game of basketball and those who played it is legendary. Coach Wooden was once asked the question, “Do athletics build character?” His response is classic. “It can, and it can tear (character) down. It can do either one. It depends on the LEADERSHIP. I believe that to be true. I say in athletics, given equal ability, the one with BETTER CHARACTER will emerge on top. By having character, you ACCEPT things better. You work HARDER. You don’t WORRY so much about the other fellow. You do your BEST. I say, let’s HAVE character, not BE a character.”

One of my favorite books in the Bible is Proverbs. The wisdom spoken in these verses are timeless and filled with common sense. Character and integrity are addressed clearly and leave no doubt in how followers of Jesus are to conduct themselves. When we live our lives with character and integrity, we will find safety and security. When we live a life built on dishonesty and deception, we will be found out and exposed. Our world has more than enough characters, what is sorely needed are more men and women OF character.

Lord, keep me on the narrow path. Mold me into a person of character and integrity. Use me to influence others in the wisdom of Your ways. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.