One of my personal values is to be growing in my character. This has been a lifelong process and I have had my times where I lacked character. In those moments I have tried to learned and grow. I continue to make some of the same mistakes, but the key for me is that I am growing and changing. I have been reading a book on character by Andy Stanley called “Louder than Words”. I also have been listening to messages about character and reading other things about character. Here are some things I have been learning about character.
The Greek word for character is often translated “image”. It means a notch, indentation, a sharpening, scratching, or writing on a stone or a coin. In the same way, character historically meant a distinctive mark impressed or formed on the inside of a person by an outside force. John Maxwell shares some common misconceptions about character:
- Character is not merely how a person acts; some can masquerade poor character.
- Character isn’t just what a person will ideally be in the future; that is called hope.
- Character is not only what others see on the outside; it begins on the inside.
- Character isn’t limited to wisdom in evaluating others behavior; that’s judgment.
- Character isn’t only about discipline; I may be disciplined in one area and not in another.
So basically character is more than just talking the right talk. Anyone can say they have integrity and that they are honest, but action is the real indicator of character. Character is a choice, it will either limit or support you as a leader. Whether you are leading a family, a company, a department, a team, a church or yourself.
In Psalm 15 the writer gives us a word picture of a person growing in character:
- Possesses integrity (v. 2)
- Does what is right (v. 2)
- Is honest and trustworthy (v. 2)
- Does not gossip (v. 3)
- Goes not listen to gossip (v.3)
- Does no harm to others (v. 3)
- Speaks out against wrong (v. 4)
- Honors others who walk in truth (v. 4)
- Keeps their word even when it costs them (v. 4)
- Is not greedy to gain at the expense of others (v. 5)
- Lends money to those in need without interest (v. 5)
- Takes no bribes against anyone (v. 5)
- Is strong and stable (v. 5)
Character is the foundation on which you build your life. Relationships are built on trust, respect and communication. When you are a person of good character, your relationships with people and God are much more solid. People will follow you only as far as they can trust you. Character communicates credibility, harnesses respect, creates consistency, and earns trust.
Character is developed in private, what you do when no one is watching. In those private moments you are deepening your character or destroying your character. I believe that the only way we can truly be men and women of character is by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Through that relationship we have access to character that we cannot have on our own. When we plug into God He builds into us, shaping and molding us into men and women of character.
Lead with character!