What is character? According to the dictionary, character means
1. a distinctive feature;
2. typical behavior of a person or group;
3. moral force;
4. reputation.
Character is an assessment of the moral qualities of a particular individual. It can also imply a variety of attributes, including a lack of virtues such as integrity, courage, fortitude, honesty, and loyalty, or lack of good behavior or habits. When someone is a moral character, it refers mainly to the set of qualities that distinguish one individual from another.
When we watch a movie or read a book, we often think about the characters. Although sometimes the character is complex, most of the time it is usually good or bad. Even in the early days of the western, characters could be distinguished by the color of their outfits and hats. Although we tend to support good character and encourage them as they go about their lives. We want to see them succeed. But in real life the character is much more complicated. We are all a variety of good and bad character traits. We need to make a conscious decision to do the right thing. Depending on your choices, we are rewarded or have to pay the consequences.
The definition of the United States Air Force Academy is “We define character as the sum of those qualities of moral excellence that stimulate a person to do the right thing, manifested through correct and appropriate actions despite internal or external pressures to the contrary.”
When we think of someone with good character or morals, we can find many that fit the bill. One of the men I think of is Noah. Even if you’re not biblical, you’ve heard of Noah. Noah was a man whom God considered to be a person of good character. Noah was a just man. He was fair in conduct and character. He was a man vindicated of God. He was also able to maintain his integrity while being ridiculed by his classmates. He was a role model for them and by being a man of good reputation and not giving up on his conviction, God protected Noah and his family.
Another quote from an unknown author reads: “Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; they become your destiny.”
By looking at the negative side of the character for a brief moment. The current situation on Wall Street shows the CEOs of these companies as greedy. It shows a lack of integrity.
Once your character has been destroyed, how long do you think it will take for others to trust you again? Would your character ever be fully repaired? Would there always be a hint of question surrounding you?
Remember when dealing with others keep your character intact. Also, remember that the true test of character is what you do when no one is looking. Do you act the same way when you are alone as when you are with others? As Abraham Lincoln said: “Almost all men can endure adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
