Character Matters

Bob Pitman has been preaching this week at Trinity Baptist. I have been looking forward to these few days for over a year. I have not been disappointed. The messages been simple, biblical, and much needed. Like an arrow hitting the bull's eye, his messages have hit the spot in my life and in our church. And, like a sponge absorbing water, I have been soaking up the preaching of God's word.

I have found myself a few times asking, "What is it with Bob Pitman?" Our church is sitting almost spellbound as this simple, yet well known preacher preaches. He is in demand. Just look at his schedule. This year he will preach all over America and in several foreign countries. What does he possess that causes grown men and women as well as children to be captivated? He seldom raises his voice. His calm demeanor is not the least bit intimidating. I am comfortable in his presence as if I had known him most of my life. What can I learn from Bob Pitman? What is it with Bob Pitman?

This is my answer to what "it" is. "It" is character. Character matters. It is character that causes folks to stand in line after the service to shake his hand or simply speak to him. It is character that causes an entire congregation to sit enthralled at his message. It is character that causes young parents to bring their babies up to meet Bro. Bob. Character. That's what it is. He doesn't need to be a name dropper. Doesn't need to flaunt his education to gain credibility. He is who he is...and his life is marked by character.

Character. The lost and unbelievers will never trust our message if they can't trust us. Character matters.