SEARCHLIGHT
Does your character match your conduct? Does your conduct express your true character? Is your character more important than your outcome?
SCRIPTURE
“BUT WHEN THE ATTENDANTS DELIVERED THE KING’S COMMAND, QUEEN VASHTI REFUSED TO COME. THEN THE KING BECAME FURIOUS AND BURNED WITH ANGER.” Esther 1:12 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
I want you to meet two women with outstanding characters, who decided their conduct would determine their outcome. You will see two different outcomes, even though there is similar character and conduct. One is banished from the king’s palace. The other is invited to the king’s palace. One is dethroned and the other is enthroned. In both cases, character and conduct determined the outcome. You will find this intriguing story in the book of Esther.
Vashti, was a woman who you will only meet in Esther 1. She became a queen when she married King Xerxes. He hosted a great feast which became a drunken revelry. He commanded Vashti to appear before him and his “noble” buddies. Her name implies she was a beautiful woman. The king wanted to show off her beauty and make a spectacle of her. She refused to become a sight for the lustful eyes of the king’s friends, where alcohol had become the major food item. Because of her refusal, the drunken king, who lost his objectivity, got angry and divorced her. He banned her from her position as queen and the rich lifestyle of the palace.
Chuck Swindoll calls this request an, “insulting act of indignity.” She took a stand against the most powerful man in the empire. He had no right to display her. This is not a question of submission, but “sexual slavery.” G. Campbell Morgan commented, “The one redeeming feature in the revelation of conditions at the court of Xerxes, was Vashti’s refusal to obey the king. She paid the price of her loyalty to her womanhood in being disposed.”
Vashti had an outstanding character as displayed by her conduct. Inwardly, she possessed dignity and self-respect. She decided that she was not a plaything, nor a slave of man. Vashti willingly gave up her royalty because she believed her self-worth was more valuable. Harriet Beecher Stowe described Vashti’s disobedience as the, “first stand for woman’s rights.”
Esther took Vashti’s place. She was not asked to compromise her dignity as her predecessor was. However, she did have to put her life on the line in order to live up to her Godly character. Her story has many lessons. What is most important to notice is that Esther, like Vashti, had an outstanding character as displayed by her conduct. She was willing to give up everything when she declared herself as being Jewish. She stood up for the Jewish people who were about to be annihilated. The king could have banished her for coming into his presence uninvited. In addition, he could have killed her for being Jewish. However, he did not, but instead, elevated her. Esther displayed dignity and self-respect, just like Vashti. The position of being queen and the luxury of palace living, were insignificant in comparison to living by Godly convictions and for Godly purposes.
Does your conduct express your character? Does your behavior express your beliefs? Do your actions express your convictions? Godly character may cost you your position, power and prestige. On the other hand, you may be elevated rather than fired. You may be promoted, rather than dismissed. The outcome is not important. Character is what counts. Godly character expressed in conduct, should be your desired outcome.
The most valuable earthly possession you have is your character. See Mark 8:36,37. Character is the foundation of your life. As long as you are building character, you are investing in the future. Your deepest form of poverty is lacking Christlike character. You can lose everything in life except character and you still have the winning edge. Character, expressed in your conduct, is what really counts.
SOMETHING TO DO
- Who, or what, influences you the most when it comes to building your character? Is it money, prestige, parents, friends, heroes, pressure to conform, etc.?
- How are you building your character?
- Ask people, who know you very well, if your character conduct reflects your character?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I want my character to be reflected by my conduct. Today, I surrender everything to You. The outcome I desire for my life is to bring glory and honor to You. AMEN.