Character – Not For Sale!

Three thousand years ago Solomon reminded readers some things are worth more than money. He wrote: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1). Allow me to quote that verse in the Amplified Bible which reads: “A good name [earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity] is more desirable than great riches; And favor is better than silver and gold.” That statement by an inspired man reminds me of a more recent quote attributed to Antonin Scalia (an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1986 until his death in 2016) — “Bear in mind that brains and learning, like muscle and physical skill, are articles of commerce. They are bought and sold. You can hire them by the year or by the hour. The only thing in the world not for sale is character.” David Kaplan apparently understood that principle. Kaplan was a sports talk host on WGN Chicago Radio for many years. According to Chicago Tribune writer Skip Bayless, back in 2001 Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, offered WGN Chicago Radio David Kaplan $50,000 to change his name legally to “Dallas Maverick.” When Kaplan politely declined, Cuban sweetened the offer. According to Bayless, Cuban, a multi-billionaire, would pay Kaplan$100,000 and donate $100,000 to Kaplan's favorite charity to take the name for one year. After much thought and bombardment by e-mails from listeners who said he was crazy to turn down the money, Kaplan refused. He explained to Cuban: “I'd be saying I'd do anything for money, and that bothers me. My name is my birthright. I'd like to preserve my integrity and credibility” (“Radio Host Prefers Cash Over Crass,” Chicago Tribune, 1-10-2001).

 Kaplan demonstrated a sorely needed character trait in America – the trait of integrity. Integrity is defined as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.” Those who follow Jesus are to display integrity in their lives and with their lips. The apostle Paul admonished and encouraged his preaching friend Titus in Titus 2:7 with these words: “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.” Wayne Jackson writes that the Greek word translated “integrity” (New King James Version * King James Version “corruptness”) suggests “purity of motive, without the desire of gain.” Purity and integrity was lacking among even some (false) teachers in and around the church on the island of Crete where Titus was serving in the first century. Titus 1:11 declares they were “teaching things they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain” – and Christ’s apostle tersely said [their] mouths must be stopped.” Simply put, these people valued cash more highly than character. Actually, they had character – but it was bad. Titus 2:8-10 goes on to teach integrity is expected of Christians – even those who were slaves, directing them to not steal but to “show all good fidelity” (or honesty). The reason is clearly stated: “that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” What a striking and sobering thought – by the way I live I can make God and His gospel look attractive to people – or unappealing. Christian character can’t be bought and it’s not for sale, for any amount of cash. It’s an inside job that begins when I surrender my life to the Lord Jesus Christ who can give me a godly character (Ephesians 4:21ff). Think about it. 

             By: Dan Gulley, Smithville TN