Tag: character

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Bible motivation

The Crucible of Suffering

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Who wants to experience more suffering? Nobody? Me neither! Whenever anybody sets up goals, nobody but a sadist eagerly plans for suffering. Yet, it is in the crucible of suffering we can become much better than we imagined.

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

Helen Keller

7.9 Billion Crucibles

As I write this, there are 7,931,373,700 billion people in the world. There will be more by the time you read this. And every one of us on this planet experiences suffering.

  • Newborns come into a cold, disorienting world
  • Toddlers impatiently suffer when their needs aren’t meant and they come face-to-face with the word, “No!”
  • Children suffer rejection on the playground
  • Teens suffer through puberty and family vacations
Cartoon about two teen girls and vacation

And adults suffer in a myriad of ways. Even the most successful person experiences suffering. We can avoid it. It is part of life.

We have scars of suffering from the past. Some we can laugh about. An old football injury, in retrospect, can be a badge of honor. When someone says, “That had to hurt!” the old linebacker can smile and weave a tall tale about that fateful night against the crosstown rival.

The Choice in Suffering

So if it is unavoidable, what choice do we have in the crucible of suffering? First of all, don’t be surprised! We all go through it. The Apostle Peter knew this very well.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12–13 (KJV)

We may suffer when doing good. And we may suffer for evil or foolish acts. We may not have a choice on whether we will suffer or not. But we do have a choice in how we react when suffering comes.

Helen Keller’s quote is so powerful when we consider the suffering she endured. She lost her sight and hearing at such an early age. Yet through the patience of a faithful teacher, and the right attitude, she made an indelible impact on millions.

We will all experience the crucible of suffering. Our choice is not whether we can avoid it. Rather, it is how we respond in the midst of our suffering. That is what develops our character!

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motivation

The Power of Character

"If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of me." Dwight L. Moody

Today is D. L. Moody’s birthday. He was born 185 years ago today. I found a quote that goes along with what I’ve been pondering lately. There is a lot of power in character.

“If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of me.

Dwight L. Moody

Dwight L. Moody Quotes. BrainyQuote.com, BrainyMedia Inc, 2022. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/dwight_l_moody_157636, accessed February 5, 2022.

The other day, I used a Thomas Paine quote about character and reputation. I suppose it has been heavy on my mind because of past leaders that have fallen when their character didn’t match what they preached.

In fact, it seems we have gotten to a place where we try to ignore the character of leaders. We know they don’t practice what they preach, but we assume no one else does either.

Deep down, we know we can’t trust someone with lousy character. Charisma can only do so much. Talent is not enough to overcome immorality. A preacher with an excellent presentation ends up doing more harm than good when they are found to be dishonest.

Perhaps we want to support the crooked leader because we feel we have no choice. Besides, their words resonate with us. They utter what we would like to say to someone if we had the courage.

brown wooden blocks with number
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Let’s Build Our Character

There are still good people out there. They have taken care of their character and therefore have the credibility to speak what is good. We can be virtuous. If we have faltered in the past (and who hasn’t slipped and faltered), we can work to build our integrity today.

Integrity comes from honesty. No, none of us are righteous. Especially me! Indeed, when we’re honest about our shortcomings, it builds integrity, honor, and trust. Being upright doesn’t mean we are perfect. It means we are honest with ourselves and others.

Like D. L. Moody said, let’s work on the power of our character. When we do, our reputations will be protected.

Categories
motivation

The Greatest Legacy

“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” Billy Graham

Six years ago today, my family lost a dad and grandfather that left a lasting, good impression on our lives. He was a man that left the greatest legacy to his kids.

In his last months, he was so concerned about leaving his family in good shape financially. Yet, he left more than most kids ever hope to have. Billy Graham’s quote says it perfectly.

“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.”

Billy Graham

Billy Graham Quotes. BrainyQuote.com, BrainyMedia Inc, 2022. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/billy_graham_626354, accessed February 2, 2022.
Photo of my wife and grandkids in 2004. He gave the greatest legacy to his family
Photo of my father-in-law with his wife and grandkids in 2004

Character

I have been blessed by two fathers who have shown me what character looks like. They have lived their values both in public and behind closed doors. The more I have lived and heard the stories of others, the more I know how rare that is.

One moment of indiscretion and ruin a person’s legacy. I am so glad my father-in-law was the real deal. I encourage all of us to live what we believe. Otherwise, what good are our beliefs?

Faith

My father-in-law lived his faith. He believed the future would be better even as he suffered near the end. His faith sustained him through many difficult times.

We would have numerous conversations about the future. Many of them were about the possibilities if we lived a life of faith over fear. It caused him to plan and take steps by faith. I am so thankful for his positive outlook.

My one regret is I would love to have a written record of those conversations so that my children’s children would know about his legacy. That is a project I aim to work on one day. Until then, let’s all work to live the greatest legacy to those who come after us.

Categories
motivation

Character and Reputation

Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.

Thomas Paine was born 285 years ago today on January 29, 1737. He was a revolutionary and author of the pamphlet, Common Sense among others. He knew a few things about character and reputation. As I was reading some of his quotes, this one stood out to me.

“Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.”
Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine Quotes. BrainyQuote.com, BrainyMedia Inc, 2022. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/thomas_paine_117868, accessed January 29, 2022.

Reputation

Our reputations are valuable currency. They are the result of many decisions and actions we have made throughout our lives. We can earn part of it while other parts are the opinions of friends and enemies.

We can have a great reputation with those within our tribe and a notorious reputation with those who oppose our views. Influence comes from our words and actions. If both are in agreement, our reputation can give us authority and good stature. It may even give us fame and prominence.

When making any to hire someone, we value a good reputation. After all, when we search for a babysitter, we want someone who is dependable, good-natured, and great with our children. We value a babysitter’s trustworthiness.

However, our standing can fall due to the gossip and opinion of others. The tribe we associate with may change their views. One generation holds one view while the other has a different value.

We have both an individual reputation and one that others ascribe to our group. And yes, our group can change. While we were once part of the younger generation, we age. Elders once thought we were radical, but the younger generation may think we are fuddy-duddy. It happens fast!

While we can control part of our reputation, other parts are out of our control. In the end, it is simply what others think of us.

Character

Therefore, Thomas Paine’s quote reminds me how important character is. It is who we are behind closed doors. It is the choices we make when no one is watching.

  • Do we do the right thing every time, or only when we have an audience?
  • Are the words we speak in line with what we ourselves are doing?
  • Are we more concerned with our prominence than living who we really are?

Unfortunately, someone can have a great reputation, but lousy character… at least for a time. But I have seen so many people held in high-esteem fall because their true character was revealed. No one can keep up a charade forever. If our reputation is great, but our character is lousy, it will be revealed sooner or later.

My prayer is that all of us may have a good reputation and character. While the first may not always be in our control, the second is definitely up to us.

Categories
motivation

Joyrides Come With a Cost

I occasionally hear on the news of someone that takes a vehicle and goes off on a joyride. It never ends well. The perpetrator may have a thrill for a few minutes, but they will probably get caught. A few minutes of a ride in Santa’s sleigh without the big guy’s permission would probably end in severe gift consequences.

Cartoon of Santa chasing a sleigh full of mischievous elves

Consider your actions before you take a mental or physical joyride. a moment of a thrill can lead to severe consequences.

  • Is this moment of indiscretion something you would be proud of?
  • Would you be fine with your actions showing up on the evening news?
  • If a biography or movie was written about your life, would you want this scene added?
    • Sure, it may make for a comedy, but at who’s expense would the joke be on?

Santa really needs to lock the sleigh and install a naughty elf driving deterrent.