Inward Motivation and the Essence of Character

Character The inward motivation to do what is right, whatever the cost.

It is the God side of man. In all man s ability to become what he needs to be, there seems to be an outside spiritual source that superimposes itself upon us for character. GOD

Character is how we think. It is how we act around others, and how we are when we are alone. Character within will manifest character without. You can not truly be to others a person of character unless first you are to yourself truly a person of character.

Having character is: Being big enough to admit and admire the abilities of people who are better at something than you are. The ability and willingness to do for others even when they can not do for you.

Where we go and what we do advertises me and you. People that get in fights a lot are probably ________? People that look at pornography are probably __________? People that hang around with drug addicts are probably ________? People that lie a lot are probably ________? People that are in bars every night are probably _______?

Always pay attention to what a man is and not what he has been. Look for who he really is and not who he says he is. A man who has to prove who he is, is not the man he thought he was.

The Bible is full of examples of people with and without character. We can use this for a guide. In fact, one evidence of the value of the Bible is the character of those that oppose it.

It is not the responsibility you carry that shows character, but how you handle that responsibility, and how you treat others with that responsibility. How do you treat people at work? How do you treat your family when you are home from work? How do you treat your boss when he reprimands you? How do you treat your spouse when they reprimand you?

Your reputation (what people think about you) is precious, but your character is priceless. You can t buy character, but you can buy your reputation from people with no character. Your character is home grown You can usually determine the caliber of a man by ascertaining the amount of opposition it takes to discourage him.

The true character of a man is not what he will do in public, or what he will do in the light. It is what he does while he is alone and even in the darkness. Character is not made in a crisis, it is exhibited in that crisis. Any flaw in our character will show up under pressure.

To change ones character, you must begin at the heart. To change one s heart, we must begin with who is control of it. Who ever is in control of the heart determines the character of the person. Who have you given your heart to?

Reputation is what it takes to get a job, but it is character that you need to keep it. A pat on the back will develop character if given young enough, often enough, low enough, and hard enough. Character starts with discipline.

Men who have genius are admired, men of wealth are envied, men of power are feared, but only men of character are trusted. Would you still help someone if the person who needed it wouldn t know it was you who helped them? Would it change your attitude about who you would help?

The two great tests for character are wealth and poverty. Wealth tests the power that you have been given and poverty tests the humility that you have been given. Each is separate and needful for us to have true character.

The character of the bridge is found at its weakest point. (It is only as strong as its weakest part.) The same is true with man. We are only as strong as our weakest point, and that is where our character will be tested. Character is like sweet herbs, when put to the test under pressure, it will give off its best fragrance. Is this what people see in you under pressure?

Or is this what people see when they look at you?

Character is either learned

Or not

We can affect the world with character if we set our goals to do so. How are you affecting the people that you are around?

What are the characters you see in these men?

Take a look at yourself, what do you see? Do you have character?

Group: Pair off in small groups and identify the main character that you see in each other. Write them down and explain why you think they have this character.

Here is a list: Alertness Dependability Honor Persuasiveness Truthfulness Attentiveness Determination Hospitality Punctuality Virtue Availability Diligence Humility Resourcefulness Wisdom Benevolence Discernment Initiative Responsibility Boldness Discretion Joyfulness Security Cautiousness Endurance Justice Self control Compassion Enthusiasm Loyalty Sensitivity Contentment Faith Meekness Sincerity Creativity Flexibility Obedience Thoroughness Decisiveness Forgiveness Orderliness Thriftiness Deference Gratefulness Patience Tolerance