We live in a beautiful, mysterious, dangerous, frightening, and incredible world. As I consider my experiences I know am very fortunate. I am hesitant to say “blessed” because that would imply that others who have an even stronger faith than me and are walking through some pretty tough circumstances are “not blessed,” like some of my friends who are suffering in India right now. I essentially live the American dream. I have a beautiful home in a great neighborhood. I own two running cars, no credit card debt, and have two healthy children, one girl and one boy (I know the American dream tells me I should have 2.5 kids but I can’t figure out how the create the .5 one). All the people I know have it made, at least compared to some of my friends who live in places like Ghana.
In spite of all this, we have a crisis. It’s not a crisis of religion, politics, government, education, or health care. It is a crisis of character. What is character? The dictionary defines character as ”the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.” We can have good character or bad character but not “neutral” character. Of the chaos, I witness in the world character is the issue, at least the root of the issue. Several years ago I traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is a place of rich beauty and abundant natural resources, yet most of the people live in dire poverty. Why? Character. The corruption of government officials has caused the people to suffer and remain in poverty (for more on this read the book Dancing in the Glory of Monsters). Corruption of character is the reason for suffering among many innocent people.
From time to time I run into people who have “left the Christian faith.” What I soon discover is that they, in the words of Andy Stanley, left a version of the Christian faith, a version that was based on someone’s interpretation, someone’s perspective rather than a correct handling of the Bible. Often people walk away from faith because of the actions of others actions that are an expression of poor character, not a reflection of Jesus.
There is an ancient Hebrew Proverb from the Old Testament that says this:
Proverbs 22:1
1A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed (well thought of) is better than silver or gold.
Some say character is what you do when no one is watching, and that may be true, but eventual it becomes visible to all. In the New Testament the Apostle Paul writes:
Ephesians 5:15
Be very careful, then, how you live…
Character is doing the right thing even when it’s the hard thing. I learned this from my mom. When I was a kid, we would go to McDonald’s on occasion, which was a pretty big deal for us. One day when I was in elementary school, we went to McDonald’s as a family and ordered our food. When our order was delivered, we were given an extra order of French fries that we did not pay for. My mom got up calmly and took them back and said we did not pay for these. As a kid, I found that strange. I thought it was great; we were given some free food. Mom’s character would not allow for that. It was a good lesson.
A few months ago I had an altercation with someone, and it got a bit emotional and heated. I said some things and made some accusations that were not true. I lied to make myself look good, and the other person looked really bad. I left the room that day winning the battle and losing part of my character. A few days later I could not live with myself and went back to that person and told them I was not truthful and that I was sorry. I walked away regaining part of what I lost.
I have heard that it takes a lifetime to build good character and only a moment to lose it. When I manipulate, lie, and twist situations, so they work out in my favor, I lack character and people notice. You lose respect and you lose trust, two things that are hard to get back.
I once read a message given by Rick Warren. He was speaking on a passage from the book of Hebrews that stated
Hebrews 13:7-8
“Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”
As he interpreted this verse, he was speaking specifically about leadership and made three points from the passage that targeted leaders. I took his three points removed “leader” and put in “character” and I found the results compelling and relevant. Here is what I came up with
People of Character have a message worth remembering:“Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you…”
People of Character have a lifestyle worth considering:“Consider the outcome of their way of life…”
People of Character have a faith worth imitating:“and imitate their faith.”
Now I do a character inventory. Do I have a message worth remembering? Do I have a lifestyle worth considering? Do I have a faith worth imitating? The answer to those question might make all the difference in the world
As always, a lot to chew on, Mike.
Just as faith doesn’t entitle the bearer to one winning lottery ticket, good character doesn’t necessarily elicit praise. In fact, it often results in responses ranging from annoyance to attempted homicide.
Perhaps we have both a crisis of character, and a crisis of the perception of character – a subtle difference, but a difference.
Good character is usually pretty non-intrusive. Its day to day interaction with the world doesn’t generally force its values on others. But from schoolyard to world stage, even unobtrusive good character is often greeted with a sneer. Or worse.
A favorite line from an old movie is “One of the disadvantages of being a patrician is occasionally you have to act like one.” So it is with character when a confrontational cross-road lands in our path.
The collision of character, good with bad, can certainly be a transformative event that changes hearts and makes us better. It is also just as likely to produce anything from unemployment to a fast track to anonymous posthumous sainthood. Anonymous in this world, anyway.
As an infant in faith I can’t begin to expect an answer or even ask why. Maybe the answer is the question? My job is to listen. A “voice in my head” oft repeated dope slap I hear in recent years has been “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways.” I assume the Nike slogan “Just do it” is there somewhere, maybe in the original Greek.
Mike, you once described Mother Theresa’s ten years of silence from God. If she wasn’t getting explanations, I can sure quit holding my breath. But then I’m not expecting that winning lottery ticket either.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Thanks for provoked thoughts Mike. The job you got is obvious, and well done.
Through all the unexpected twists and turns of life God is at work, bringing about his purpose. He is always working on our character and enabling you one day to look back and say, ‘the Lord… has been good to me’ (Psalm 13:6).