In ancient times, artisans of all sorts were known primarily for the mark or “character” they engraved upon their vessels.  They left their mark to identify themselves with whatever product they produced.  This secured integrity in their work.  They could not produce a substandard product without others knowing who it was that made it.  In essence their “character” represented the quality of not only their work, but their lives.

      Whether we know it or not we also leave a mark on the things we do.  Our mark is only as good as the product we create.  I like what D.L. Moody said years ago, “If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself.”  Those who worry about their reputation without being concerned with their character have failed in their labor.

     What kind of mark are you leaving?  What does your character say about your vessel?  Nathanial Hawthorne said, “No man for any considerable amount of time can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which is the true one.”  You may fool people for a little while, but at some point they will identify the quality of your life with the character upon your vessel.  As Dave Cottrell says, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even if there is no chance you would be caught doing the wrong thing.”