Character and Reputation

In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. (verse 25a)

Read  2 Samuel 14:25-33

There is a saying, ‘Good Looks attract the eyes, personality captures the heart.’ One of King David’s sons, Absalom, had good looks in spades. The problem was he had an inflated ego to go with it.

By now David was an older man who would soon need to appoint his successor, and Absalom was fully aware of it. He ‘invites’ himself (by committing arson, no less!) to the palace to meet with the King and began posturing to gain popular support for his ambition to be king. Absalom became increasingly invested in self-promotion, using his good looks, political mauvers and charm to woo the people.

Unfortunately for Absalom however, the Lord has always favoured character over reputation and good looks. We should too.

Why is it better to be more concerned over your character than your reputation?

Dear Lord, please help me to be a person of good character. Thank you for the many gifts and talents you have given me. Help me to use them with humility to serve others. Amen.

by Rebecca Cronau in ‘Time Out to Tune in’ (LCA, Australian Christian Resources, 2018)

Visit the Daily Devotion archives page.