Director's Desk

Proverbs 22:1 (ESV): “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.”

I had coronary artery bypass surgery in 1997. Before leaving the hospital after
my recovery, I was given a large red cloth heart filled with padding. On it were the signatures of the nurses and physicians who rendered care to me during my surgery and recovery. It is on display in my office to remind me of the value of life and to refresh my memory to the value of Godly character. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “What lies before us and what lies behind us are tiny matters when compared to what lies within us.” Let’s talk about the core values of Godly characters today.
 

Love is a core value of mental and moral qualities distinctive to Godly characters. Scripture declares that we become like metal beaten to produce musical tones but is hollow and discordant without love. We are harsh and jarring because of a lack of harmony. This essential core value is measured by loving others as we love ourselves.
 

If I need love for myself, then those around me should receive the same attention from me. Reverent character is also shown through faithfulness. Proverbs 3:3-4: “Let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Emphasis is placed on the importance of loving-kindness (or mercy) and faithfulness in one’s life. It advises readers to cherish these virtues, symbolized by “binding them around your neck” and “writing them on the tablet of your heart” and promises that doing so will result in favor with God and man. These are not just external
actions but deeply rooted in one’s heart.
 

A third essential core value of character is humility. Proverbs 11:2 (ESV): “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” This verse highlights a contrast between pride and humility. Pride ultimately leads to shame while humility leads to wisdom. A humble heart is guided by wisdom, good judgment. Wisdom combines strength and gentleness. I have scheduled myself to go back through open heart surgery, not physical but spiritual. I rather think we all need that kind of surgery to be spiritually whole. Think about scheduling surgery for yourself. Your life will never be the same!
 

Be abundantly blessed today,
Rev. Dr. Tom Smith