A Prayer to Walk in Godly Character
By: Victoria Riollano
Bible Reading:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. – Colossians 3:23
Listen or Read Below:
I will always choose character over talent.
As a worship leader, I say this phrase each year in our annual team meeting for those who desire to serve in the music department at church. The truth is, character changes atmospheres. I have found that a singer who misses a few notes but is teachable, kind, and humble is always a greater addition to the team than one who sings like an angel from heaven but walks in pride! And in twenty years of leading worship, I have encountered those who are habitually late, disrespectful, and have secret lives of unrepentant sin. Sadly, I have watched this happen in numerous churches, and the impact is identical. In every scenario, people were hurt, teams were divided, and the church itself felt the shift of tainted worship. I have learned firsthand that talent is never a substitute for walking in Godly character.
Though you may not serve on a church worship team, chances are you serve or participate in something that involves others. And at this moment, the Lord is asking us to consider how our character infiltrates the environment around us. Whether it’s putting the shopping cart back where it belongs, showing up to our workplace on time, speaking “white lies,” or participating in moments of gossip, integrity matters to God. These moments may seem minuscule to us, but to the Lord and the world around us, they speak volumes!
We see this sentiment in Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church when he writes, “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Being an ambassador is not a passive role but one that is purposeful. The role of an ambassador is to enter a foreign country while representing the values and beliefs of their own home country. They serve as representatives and are expected to represent their country in a manner that brings honor. How the representative presents themselves not only impacts the individual, but also how people will perceive their country of origin! So, when Paul calls us to be ambassadors, this is with complete understanding that ambassadors have a high level of responsibility. As believers, we have the privilege of representing God’s kingdom everywhere we go. What an honor to represent Jesus himself, the epitome of love, grace, and truth!
My prayer for you today is that you walk fully in your role as an ambassador of Christ. Your actions, inactions, words, and mannerisms can be what attracts people to the Lord. For this reason, we are encouraged in Colossians 3:23 to do everything as if we are doing it for God Himself! How we live, how we show up in the world around us, how we work, the way we walk out our relationships must all be through the lens of, “Does this represent God well?” May we use today to pause and assess how we show up to the world around us. Our decision to walk in a Godly character can be a difference maker for those curious about Christ.
Let’s Pray:
Lord, I thank you for the privilege of representing you. I know there are times when I can do a better job at sharing the Gospel through my actions. I ask that you highlight areas where I need to improve. Let my heart and actions align with your will. Forgive me for the things I have done that may turn people away from Christ. If it’s my attitude, show me how to respond better. If it’s my words, help me to speak according to your will.
Lord, I pray Psalm 19:14 over myself that the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart would be acceptable to you. I pray that my life will draw people closer to you, not further away. Help me to walk in the character you would desire. Show me your ways and lead my path so that I may walk righteously before you, Lord. Thank you for your love and kindness towards me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Related Resource: Starting 2026 with Intention: Confidence, Diligence, and God’s Direction
As we begin a brand-new year, I want to help you slow down and listen for God’s invitation in your life. In this episode, we kick off our One Word 2026 series — a simple, prayerful way to reflect on where you’ve been and discern how God may be inviting you to grow in the year ahead.
I introduce the heart behind choosing a spiritual “one word,” not as a goal to achieve, but as a posture to receive. We explore two of the six words I’ll be offering this month — confidence and diligence — and look at how Scripture invites us to grow, not by relying on our own strength, but by trusting God’s faithfulness over time.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
