Pro TipSample

I am an extremely dedicated student. I am the student that reminds the teacher they need to collect the homework. This was me until March of my senior year when, with no notice, I stopped attending school, club meetings, and turning in my assignments. When I returned to class, my teacher had a conversation with me, explaining her concern. What had happened was out of character for me. When I say “character,” all I mean is what was really true about me. Character is connected to what is going on inside us at the deepest level, in our hearts.

See, I was really a good student who cared about working hard at school. So, when I began to explain to her that I had been struggling with anxiety and depression that was causing me to have a hard time with my day-to-day tasks, thankfully, my teacher knew that I was truly a dedicated student who happened to be going through some difficult things. Since she knew my character as someone dependable and hard-working, she was incredibly gracious and helped me catch up on my assignments.

Now, think about today’s verse with that story in mind. Take a second and imagine you are looking into a puddle or lake at your reflection. You can most likely imagine the shape of our noses, eyes, and face in the reflection of the water. Similar to looking at your face in a body of water, when people see examples of your character several times, they can confirm your character to themselves and others. When they see our faces, they will remember the true content of our character. They’ll remember what you’re really like, even if you go through something as I did. Scripture is not complete reassurance that if we do not do our homework assignments, there will be no consequences. That’s not the point. But it does remind us that when we act with good intentions, we will have evidence of our good character that can help us in difficult times.

Today, talk to God about your character. Ask God if there is any area of your character or anything going on in your heart that God would want you to pay attention to.

Written by Cherish, age 18, from Charlotte, North Carolina, USA