Character - We Need it!

I remember in the days leading up to President Clinton's second run for office that one of the leading slogans was "character doesn't matter." The reason for the saying was that the private infidelities and character deficiencies had no influence or bearing on his leadership capabilities. I remember hearing this repeated over and over and thinking to myself how ridiculous it is to divorce the two. Character is who you are in private and influences your public behavior and decisions. The most dangerous leader is one who has power without principle. Without character, he will abuse the trust of the people. Leadership without character will depend upon their position to make them feel important. Unfortunately, to fill the void of insecurity, they will exploit people and use them in serving their selfish interests making it all about them. A leader who is secure in God, will be interested in other people's future and well-being than themselves gaining riches or becoming famous.

What is character?

A dictionary defines character as a complex of mental and ethical traits and those traits, or qualities, are built into an individual's life. It is those character qualities, character traits, which determine a person's response in any given situation.

Character and integrity are very close and their association. Integrity has to do with the strength of an individual. When we speak of a building, the integrity of the building is its ability to stand. After an earthquake, a building may have caution tape placed around it so no one enters because its integrity has been compromised. It no longer can be trusted because of its weakened condition.

Habitual submission to godly principles forms the character of a person and strengthens the integrity of their heart. Regardless of the shaking in circumstances that a person may face, they refuse to compromise and weaken the integrity of their soul.

Compromise is the number-one  enemy of character. It has been said that compromise is the welcome mat to deception. It is worth noting that no one can destroy our character, unless we allow or permit them to do it. You have heard people say such things as “Billy Bob sure did destroy that church over there.” The fact is, no one has the ability to destroy the church, unless they allow them to. This is true individually as well as a corporate setting as a church. The only way that my character can be ruined is if that first I compromise my values. If I value truth, then I will not lie. If a person tells me a lie about someone else, the only way, the lie continues is if I compromise my value of the truth and perpetuate the lie onward. However, if I maintain my values, the lie goes no further, and my integrity remains.

Maintaining character and integrity does require effort. It is not for the lazy, apathetic, lethargic, and those wanting everything done for them. Being responsible is a must! Never forget the words of Solomon when he said that a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.

Why is character so important? 

It creates honor in other people. When people honor you, they give you access to their heart to influence them. If we are going to be a force in the world today we must maintain our character, strengthen our integrity, and keep open the channel of influence to the world around us.