Photo and blog by Sharman Dow
We have all heard the term “strength of character,” but what does this really mean, and how does it relate to your business career?
Having strength of character is holding the moral fiber to stand for what you believe in and not give into the whims of culture. It means when everyone else is doing something that goes against your beliefs or what you know to be the right thing to do, you bow out or walk away. It’s having ethical excellence with a conviction in your heart to do what is right in all circumstances. Having a strength of character distinguishes you as an individual and will make you stand out from the crowd, because you have the strength to resist the forces that pull you away from doing the right thing.
It is imperative to your business success to behold a strength of character, because it will position you as a reliable source and someone who can be counted on when the chips are down. It will benefit you for future promotions and create in you an honorable reputation. In addition, it produces God’s favor, as His light shines on those who honor Him in all circumstances.
Many times character is built by tribulations and perseverance, but it also can be built by holding a high regard for the presence of God in all matters of life. Let’s face it, if you determine everything you think, say or do is being monitored, then you will strive to be a better person. It’s like the nanny cam for the baby sitter or the video camera at the department store; someone is watching your behavior, and when you are aware of it you act much better. You may have temptations, but knowing you are being watched makes you perform in excellence. The same thing can work for your career. If you keep in the forefront of your thinking that God is watching you in your job performance, then you will do a much better job. In other words, when an awareness of God is first and foremost in your mind, you will want to do a more excellent job, and thus build upon your career.
There is a fabulous story in the Bible about Joseph, who displayed strength of character in any circumstance in which he found himself — which at times must have been extremely disheartening. His unusual story unfolds with betrayal brought on by his jealous brothers because he was their father’s favorite son. His brothers sold him into slavery and allowed him to be carried off to Egypt and reported to their father he had died. In what a sad state Joseph found himself; one day he was his father’s favorite son and the next he was a slave thinking he would never to see his family again.
As a slave in his mater’s household, he quickly was given a position of authority because he had shown his ability to perform in excellence. When falsely accused of adultery by his mater’s wife he was thrown into jail — and once again treated unfairly. I am sure he was tempted by his master’s wife’s advances, but his strength of character and an awareness of God in his life kept him on the straight and narrow. While in jail he soon became the one prisoner upon whom all the guards trusted and relied. Finally, after being able to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, he was released from jail and was made second in charge, reporting directly to the Pharaoh. It was through this position that he saved the nations of Israel and Egypt from starvation and ultimately was reconciled with his brothers. Another aspect of his character that is so deeply moving was his ability to forgive his brothers for the horrific crime they had committed against him. He was able to see God’s hand in each circumstance, which led him and built upon his character.
How about you? Would you be able to show strength of character in your job performance? Let us help you at the Empower Women’s Conference. We have gathered together women who will help support you to find strength of character and grow in your career!
Sharman Dow is the founder of the Empower Women’s Conference, coming October 22nd to Orange County. Register today!
