Performance = Integrity

An ancient proverb declared, “The nod of an honest man is enough.” Actress Mae West professed, “An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises.” One of my high school teachers reminded us that “What you are speaks so loud, I can’t hear a word you’re saying.” This admonition encourages character building.

Another wise saying gives clear guidelines for promise making: “The righteous promise little and perform much; the wicked promise much and perform very little.” How do you perform on the promises you make? It’s appropriate to make promises. Just be sure to keep your promises; they define your character.

 

James 5:12 offers good advice. “Do not swear, either by heaven or by any other oath. Let your 'Yes' be yes and your 'No' be no, so you never fall under condemnation.” It’s time for a new beginning to go forward with hope for a bright future, so commit all you are to Christ Jesus right now. God keeps his promises and honors yours.   

Integrity: Character Strength for a Lifetime - Part 3

As newborn babies, we begin life helpless and dependent on others to nurture and care for us in ways that develop feelings of safety and trust. Infants need to be loved and cherished so feelings of trust and security can emerge. Others of God's creation may nurture by instinct, but humans depend on the integrity, love, and compassion of their parents.

Feelings of safety and trust are the foundation on which all developmental stages of life are built. Therefore children need constancy and order, guidance and training, to help them develop integrity for making life's decisions throughout all the other phases of life. Integrity is the character strength that enables a person to face death, as life ends here on earth.

Refrain from idealizing integrity because it doesn't imply perfection. Integrity, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, Christ Jesus, and God's word, gives us guidance for making tough choices that life forces upon us. Integrity and appropriate behaviors form a partnership to create a clear conscience in the person who loves God and desires to please him.  

Developing a Positive Identity - Part 3

One of my high school teachers was fond of reminding us of a truth  from English literature which designates a person's identity. Here it is: "What you are speaks so loudly I can't hear a word you say." Your identity includes so much more than words you speak. Choices that reflect your attitudes and the way you behave paint a clear picture of your character.

Jesus' parable of the prodigal son demonstrates how identity confusion leads to bad choices and ultimate despair. Out of despair the young man was able to see himself clearly and imagine what could be different. That's when he chose to change his life. So much time, energy, and resources were lost thinking he was something he was not. That's identity confusion.

Constructive change is possible by realizing the Lord Jesus can transform your circumstances, your inner self, and personal identity. God's desire is for you to reflect his character in the life you choose to live. This can be the distinguishing feature which clearly reflects your identity and what others see in you.  

Motivation for Change - Part 3

Children from age six to twelve take significant steps toward learning to live in the world beyond their homes. Self-discipline becomes a necessity for school life and other activities. Their interests become more centered around school and peer groups. Friends become increasingly important for social activities, for influencing values and behavior patterns.

During this period children acquire a sense of industry and duty. Guidance from parents and significant-other adults is critical for helping children develop perseverance for task completion that will gauge their success at each future stage of life. Perseverance is invaluable for managing the trials and temptations life will surely present.

Although these developmental years can be difficult, learning to persevere develops character that lasts a lifetime. Romans 5:3 puts it this way: "We rejoice in our suffering because we know that suffering creates perseverance, and perseverance character, and character hope." God helps us develop character that will guide us and honor him.