Prayers to walk with godly character
Posted by: Victoria Riolano
Bible reading:
Whatever you do, approach it wholeheartedly as if you were working for the Lord, not for a human master. – Colossians 3:23
Listen or read below:
I always choose character over talent.
As a worship leader, I say these words every year at our annual team meeting for those who wish to serve in the music department of our church. In fact, the atmosphere changes depending on your personality. I’ve found that a singer who is teachable, kind and humble, even if he misses a few notes, is always a better addition to the team than one who sings like an angel from heaven but walks with pride. And in my 20 years of leading worship, I have encountered people who are habitually late, disrespectful, and harboring hidden and unrepentant sin. Sadly, I have seen this happen in many churches and the effect is the same. In each scenario, people were hurt, teams were divided, and the church itself felt the change in unclean worship. I have learned firsthand that talent is never a substitute for walking in godly character.
You may not be part of your church’s worship team, but you may serve or participate in something that involves others. And in this moment, the Lord is asking us to consider how our character permeates the environment around us. Honesty matters to God, whether it’s putting a shopping cart back in its place, showing up to work on time, telling a “blatant lie,” or participating in gossip. These moments may seem trivial to us, but to the Lord and the world around us, they say a lot.
This sentiment can be seen when Paul writes in his letter to the Corinthian church, “We are, therefore, messengers of Christ. God is calling through us. When we plead, “Return to God!” we are speaking in Christ’s place. (2 Corinthians 5:20). Being an ambassador is not a passive role; it is a purposeful role. The role of an ambassador is to enter a foreign country representing the values and beliefs of the home country. They are expected to serve as representatives and represent their country in a manner that brings honor. How representatives present themselves not only affects individuals, but also how people perceive their country of origin. So when Paul invites us to be ambassadors, he does so with the full understanding that ambassadors have a high level of responsibility. As believers, we have the privilege of representing the Kingdom of God wherever we go. What an honor it is to represent Jesus himself, the symbol of love, grace, and truth.
My prayer for you today is that you may fulfill your role as an ambassador for Christ. Your actions, inactions, words, and attitudes can be the things that draw people to the Lord. This is why we are encouraged in Colossians 3:23 to do all things as if they were for God himself. How we live, how we show up in the world around us, how we work, and how we walk in relationships must all be through the lens of, “Is this a good representation of God?” Let’s use today to pause and evaluate how we show up to the world around us. Our decision to walk in godly character can make a difference for those interested in Christ.
Let’s pray:
Lord, thank you for the privilege of representing you. I know that I can do better in sharing the gospel through my actions. I would like you to highlight the points that need improvement. May my heart and actions be in harmony with your will. Please forgive my actions that lead people away from Christ. If that’s my attitude, please tell me how to respond better. If it is my language, help me to speak it according to Your will.
Lord, I pray to myself Psalm 19:14, that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart may be acceptable to You. I pray that my life brings people closer to You instead of pushing them away. Please help me to walk the character you want. Lord, show me your path and direct my path, that I may walk rightly before you. Thank you for your love and kindness towards me.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
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Photo credit: ©GettyImages/krblokhin
Victoria Liolano is a mother of eight, a veteran spouse, a psychology professor, and a doctoral student. Victoria learned how to balance her family and fulfill God’s ultimate purpose for her life. Victoria has a master’s degree in child psychology and is the author of two books – “The Victory Walk: A 21-Day Devotional on Living a Victorious Life” and “Warrior Mother: Equipping Your Heart to Fight for Your Family’s Faith.” When she’s not writing, you can find her serving local churches as a pastor’s wife, worship leader, and youth pastor. Ultimately, she wants to enable women to live lives filled with victory, hope, and love. You can connect with Victoria at www.victoryspeaks.org and on social media at Victory Speaks with Victoria Riollano on Facebook and @myvictoryspeaks on Instagram.
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As we begin a new year, I want to help you slow down and listen to God’s invitation in your life. This episode kicks off the One Word 2026 series. This is a simple, prayerful way to reflect on where you have been and discern how God is calling you to grow in the year ahead.
I will introduce the mind that chooses spiritual “words” not as a goal to achieve, but as an attitude to receive. We’ll explore two of the six words I offer this month, “confidence” and “diligence,” and see how the Bible urges us to grow by trusting in God’s faithfulness over time rather than relying on our own strength.
This episode is part of the How to Study the Bible podcast. This show brings Bible reading to life and helps you understand even the most difficult parts of the Bible. If this episode helped you know and love God more, subscribe to the How to Study the Bible podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode.
