I am reading a book about character called “Deadly Viper Character Assassins” By Mike Foster & Jud Wilhite. This little book focuses on our character and how it can creep or slip over time. So what is character? Here are some definitions of character that I found:
Character is the inward motivation to do what is right according to the highest standards of behavior in every situation.
Character consists of the stable and distinctive qualities built into an individual’s life which determine his or her responses, regardless of the circumstances.
Character is the wise response to the pressure of a difficult situation and what we do when we think no one is watching. It is the predictor of good behavior.
I have been thinking a lot about character lately. My own character and the character of people around me. Character really does matter, because it determines our behavior, especially when we are under stress. How many times do we cut corners or not do the little things we know are right. We think it is no big deal, but it can become a big deal. Little things like telling your secretary you are on the phone when you don’t want to talk with someone. Instead you should simply say “I am unavailable”. Honesty and integrity are important in every relationship we have. In our marriages, in our work, in our business dealings, in our personal finances. If we are cutting corners, not keeping promises and telling lies, we are on our way to a potential major character wreck.
A person of character is more than just doing the right thing, it is doing the right thing even when no one else is watching. Even when you will not get credit for doing the right thing. It is doing the right thing even if it means some personal pain.
One way to make sure you are acting with good character is to give the people around you permission to ask you some questions or to speak openly about character flaws they see. Your spouse, the people you work with every day, they are the ones that know you and know your character flaws. They can usually see the train wreck coming, but may not feel like you would listen to them. So, my question is this; do you have people that are willing to confront your bad behavior? Are you willing to be humble enough to listen to someone confront a character flaw? Most people don’t think it can happen to them. People don’t just wake up one day and just decide to embezzle money, have an affair, or cheat on their taxes. It is a hundred smaller choices that lead up to those big mistakes. Do a character exam on your self today. What areas of your life are a little shaky right now? Where have you been creeping or sliding in your character? It is never too late to start changing.