From My Perspective - - -

From time to time, we read and hear different comments about civil discourse. The obvious is that we need to learn more about how to appreciate one another, as well as how to practice civility while speaking to or about one another. Role Models are hard to find in this regard. The most public people are either performers or politicians. There’s a good chance that what one may hear all too frequently borders either on the profane or that which is purely partisan. Many times one could easily turn off the sound of news interviews and not miss anything at all – what is being said is both predictable and repetitious. It’s easy to conclude that “talking-points” and “spin” are what the public will be subjected to in the present and foreseeable future.

A phrase that is often repeated while being often neglected is the impassioned thought shared  by Martin Luther King, when he said: “I have a dream that my…children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” It is the phrase – “content of their character” – that has somehow been buried in the rubble of the current dialogue and diatribe. The term “racism” is thrown around in situations where it is unfounded and unnecessary. The “content of their character” has been blurred by political ambitions and compromises. It becomes more and more apparent – as our nation spirals downward toward bankruptcy – that part of the trend to bankruptcy is attributable to losing our way with regard to “the content of their character” as a requirement and standard for thought and interaction.

What exactly is “character”? The most definitive idea is: “the combination of traits and qualities distinguishing the individual nature of a person or thing.” If one consults Dictionary.com, one will find there is a list of ten dictionary results and twenty-seven definitive statements regarding “character.” We’ll be content with the idea of “traits and qualities.” A definition for “trait” is: “a distinguishing characteristic.” Two of the more cherished traits in  life should be (a) Integrity – one is committed to honesty in all aspects of life, and (b) Credibility – whether or not one is seen as being authentic, believable, dependable and uncompromising. Both Integrity and Credibility must be guarded and championed. No one should allow for any question to arise whether or not one is “real” and can be trusted implicitly (absolute and unreserved; unquestioning).

When it comes to Christian Character, the definitive statements are several and abundantly clear. One passage is II Peter 1:3-8, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue… knowledge… self-control… steadfastness… godliness… brotherly affection…love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  The Message translates verse 8: “With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus.” This is a starting point for what will cause one’s life to be seen as being real, effective, and fruitful. It will set one apart as having authenticity, integrity and credibility. The content of one’s character will begin to gain in stature and maturity. One’s life will begin to exude the content of one’s character in an unscripted way – free from the emptiness and meaninglessness of words – while demonstrating the qualities that can only come from a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s as though Jesus was saying to each one – Isaiah 30:21 - “This is the way, walk in it…”  Consider these things with me!