3 Powerful things Strong Character Produces.

After watching the debate last night, I realized this election is not about policies and politics, it’s about character. We are seeing the dumbing down of morality and the mental capabilities of people. How do you know if someone’s character is compromised?

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When I think of someone in high esteem, I assume, naturally, that they are a person of strong character. When you think of someone, who you believe is stable and has a sense of right and wrong, you naturally assume they have a morally centered character.

I remember one particular company I worked for. I made a several hundred dollar mistake. I was on the painting crew and was told a part of the building needed repainting after a recent fire.

My coworker and I began painting with a sprayer. Unbeknownst to us, and I should have been more aware, we over-sprayed onto the Printing House’s, General Manager’s car. The paint, brown, the car, green.

My supervisor’s boss called me into his office. He chewed me out about how stupid I was and how wrong I was for not paying attention. I apologized, and even offered to pay for the damage. That’s when he blew up.

This time, he went after my character. He said I was a stupid kid, who didn’t know right from wrong and that I would never amount to anything, ever. After that, I was sent home.

What does strong character do? Three things.

Character brings Strength.

After I was sent home, I knew the kind of person I was. I was honest, kind, gentle and apologized for my mistake. He couldn’t see past the mistake. But a person of character brings an inner strength that cannot be shaken. If we don’t live in an avenue of strength, we’ll find fault in everyone else.

Marcus Aurelius said this; “Perfection of character is this: to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without apathy, without pretense.”

When we are focused and determined, knowing that yes we’ll fail, we will be able to accomplish anything we set our minds to. But strength comes from within and a willingness to learn from your own mistakes and move on. “It is much more valuable to look for the strength in others. You can gain nothing by criticizing their imperfections.” Daisaku Ikeda

Character brings Courage.

We find that life is full of surprises. We don’t know what’s coming down the track, and we don’t know when our past will rear it’s ugly head. But if we take the time to count our blessings and not look behind us, but look forward, even though we’ve made mistakes, we can find the courage to move toward the future.

We find in Romans 5:3-5; “Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us” (Berean Study Bible).

Character begins in the heart. And when we take the time to hone that character, no matter what life gives us, we can overcome. But it takes courage to stand in the face of fire.

Character brings Stability.

It takes discipline and perseverance will bring stability to one’s life. But if we are stable in our lives, our families are strong, our character is strong and nothing tears us down, we can know that our character is strong.

I read this recently:

“To be a great and inspiring leader, you must constantly display restraint. Not giving into something you truly want is a sign of strength. Making the right decisions in life can make or break you, and this type of person tends to make the right decisions. Regardless of where you exert this self-restraint, it will help to promote achievement in your life.” – Ashley Fern

You can have the most charismatic leader(s), who seem to dodge every bullet, or escape any wrongdoing, but if the family and their life is falling apart, there’s a piece of their character that needs further development. It’s not enough to develop high quality characteristics, if you can’t manage those qualities.

I wouldn’t want to be running for President of the United States. It’s a job very few can do. And right now, I’m worried about the character of all candidates. This is where we pray, that whoever becomes our next President, that God would help them become a man or woman of strong character that will bring stability, courage and strength to our nation.

[reminder]What area in your own character needs adjustment, and what do you plan on doing to right your own ship?[/reminder]