Our character matters to God, and how we live our lives speaks volumes about who we are. As God’s people, we have to live with integrity and honesty, for our character is essential to who we are. So often, we hear people say that it does not matter what people say about them, but in my humble opinion, it does matter. All we have is our good name. Every now and then, we need to check ourselves and make sure that we are living up to the standards of God. In 2 Peter 1:5, we find these words:

“In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge.”

Peter is asking God’s blessings upon his fellow believers that they might grow in peace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He wants them to live lives of moral excellence with knowledge of self-control, to have good character, and to show love for everyone. He also reminds them to stay in the will of God. That is my prayer for us today: that we will pray for one another, that we are able to maintain a good character according to God’s standards, and that we stay in the will of God.