Tag: thomas paine

“King Kong Ain’t Got Nothin On Me!” This is arguably the most memorable line uttered by Denzel Washington in his Oscar winning performance in Training Day. Denzel is a great actor and many would argue a man of great character and integrity. Even so, he was able to win the most coveted award in the film industry by taking on the persona of a despicable, amoral character.

Life, however, is not a movie. We are not playing a role. The character that others perceive us to have is reality. Yes, people can lie and make false claims in an effort to tarnish our character, but these instances are actually opportunities to further our character. When we are talked about we can respond with anger or kindness. When our character is tested we can pass that test by demonstrating the true character that we possess.

It’s been said that your reputation is what people say about you but your character is what God knows about you. You can’t chase every lie and you can’t address every false claim. What you and I can and should do is know who we are and be intentional about developing our character. Character isn’t developed by accident. It is sculpted by the trials we face and shaped by the circumstances we endure. Here’s a formula to remember: Challenges plus endurance will multiply your character.

No one wants to do business with someone of weak character. For this reason recognizing areas of your life where your character needs to increase is vital to the fulfillment of your purpose.

INTEGERS

Integers are the foundational components in math – numbers. A strong foundation is necessary in order to build anything of value. Your character is the foundation of who you are and how you lead. What makes you who you are? What is the nature of your true identity? Who are you when no one is watching? What are your core values?

Each of us has to look within and decide – what are the components of who we are at the most basic level? In what areas will you never compromise? If someone were asked what you are all about, what would they say? More importantly, would their answer be the same as yours? If the answers differ, it is a sign that we need to dig deep and address some foundational issues pertaining to our character. If we aren’t careful about developing our character in private, it could be disastrous when our character flaws become public.

DIVISION

We all wear many different hats. I am a father, husband, entrepreneur, speaker, and pastor among other things. If I am divided I will exhibit different levels of character based on who is around. A house divided cannot stand. When we live bifurcated lives we confuse others and ultimately ourselves.

I have two young daughters and they, especially the youngest, have to be told repeatedly what to do and what not to do as well as when to do it. We tell them don’t put your hand in your mouth when you were just on the playground. Stop crying. Use your words. Set a good example. Wash your hands. Speak when spoken to. We have to teach and correct them so that they don’t mistreat others one day and love them the next. We try to make sure that the same character they exhibit in our presence is what they exhibit at school, even when teachers aren’t looking. In essence we are training them to be women of integrity. To have integrity means that what you say and what you do are always in alignment. To be fully integrated means that you are not divided, but whole.

MULTIPLICATION

When you are a person who lives and operates with high character, people want to be around you. People want to help people they know they can trust with their time, talents and treasure. The fulfillment of your purpose will require the aid of others, which is why character flaws can hinder your progress. I get it – everyone makes mistakes. But a mistake is only a mistake if it’s rare. What are you like on a consistent basis? Are you kind a majority of the time? Are you determined, disciplined and dedicated on most days?

People of great character have the ability to multiply themselves because others want to be like them. This is how great leaders produce other great leaders. This is how some people are able to bring a vision to pass. Have you considered ways to multiply your character in others that you mentor, disciple, or lead? Guard your character and address issues immediately. Remember the words of Thomas Paine, “character is much easier kept than recovered.”