What Word Best Defines Your Character?

Have you noticed how words and language tend to change with each generation? Today the word "cool" could identify a person or just about anything. Cool could refer to someone being nice or acceptable.

Like all words used to communicate, “nice” may refer to a person’s character or values, but it is possible to be fooled. I’ve heard parents explain how they mistakenly believed a friend of their son or daughter was a nice person only to find out too late the truth.

Being honest in all situations should be the objective of every believer in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 4:15 implores us to speak the truth in love – love for Jesus Christ, love for God’s Word, and love for people. 

This is the ultimate incentive for speaking the truth. This attitude demonstrates character that reflects kindness, gentleness, and self-control. Be thankful that the love of Christ Jesus abides in you.                            

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Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord God forgave you. And over these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

~Colossians 3:12-14 New International Version

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Teaching Values: Walk the Walk - Part 1

Values are learned from significant others like parents, relatives, and friends. In the textbook Psychiatry and Ethics, the author relates how self-scrutiny and self-examination along with honesty and sincerity were the wellsprings for helping him understand his behavior and beliefs. Values define your character and the rules you live by each day.

Values reside in your conscience and determine the multitude of choices you have to make wherever you are. If a cashier at a store mistakenly failed to charge you enough for your purchase, what would you do? Your first impulse might be to rejoice and say nothing. Would honestly win the battle?

Joseph Parker said, "Following the Golden Rule would reconcile business and labor, all political disputes and turbulence, all selfishness and greed." It's hard to believe this, even harder to practice. Jesus said "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Would you in good faith try this for just one day? God will extend you a blessing that will make a difference.