Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. – Psalm 105:19
The life of a business owner or a leader in the corporate world is a constant test of character. The definition of the word character is “the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.”
Every single working day of your life will test your mental and moral qualities. Your ability to sustain godly character will depend on your strength of commitment to what you believe and what you have decided to stand for or against.
When it comes to the financial aspect of your business, if you haven’t set your standard of conduct to give priority to paying your staff, your suppliers, and those you have loans with, then when difficult times come, your character will be tested. You will make excuses that the downfall in the economy gives you reason to walk away. Godly character causes you to pay what you owe, no matter what the economy is doing. Finances are one of the biggest areas of downfall in leadership. If you want to find corruption, follow the money. Only if you rely on God will you be able to withstand the pressures of today’s ever-changing economy.
When it comes to your marketing plan, the opportunities you will be presented with need to be thoroughly researched. They should always line up with your values and morals. Believe me when I say your enemy will send opportunities across your path that will test your character in this area. He is very sneaky, and the opportunities will come when you are too busy to do your due diligence, or there will be an offer that you just can’t refuse.
Your character will be tested in all areas of your business to the point that how you conduct your business will affect your character at home and in your community. Working too many hours will result in your family feeling neglected. When your life gets out of order—when your career or business is the most important part of your life—your church or community gets left behind. Worst of all, you will neglect your relationship with God. You will begin to depend only on your wisdom and strength, and this will absolutely eat away at your character. One day you will realize you have become someone you never thought you would be. Character is what you do when no one is looking, but remember, God is always watching.
