Character is Destiny
What is character? It’s getting harder and harder to get people to agree on a definition. Some say it’s working hard and being honest. Others say it’s doing what you say you will do. Many agree that it’s living in alignment with your values. But what if you work hard in the criminal enterprise? What if you are honest about the manipulative intentions you have? What if what you say you will do is hateful and hurtful? And what if your values are anger, revenge, selfishness, and pleasure above all else? I doubt many would conclude that living out these values reflects high character.
Character is moral excellence. But we don’t talk about morality anymore. When is the last time you heard a person described as a person of high moral character?
In the chokehold of relativism, we have become confused about the difference between right and wrong- so confused, that we are not sure right, wrong, good and bad even exist.
How do you build character? With virtue. Virtues are building blocks of character. Think about this list of virtues: patience, kindness, humility, gentleness, perseverance, truthfulness, courage, temperance, justice, faithfulness, and good will. Would your life improve if you had more of these virtues? Would you be a better spouse? Would you be a better parent? A better boss, colleague, friend, and neighbor?
The only way to genuinely improve your life is with virtue. You cannot improve your life in any meaningful way without improving as a human being. Any improvement that does not come from expanding your potential as a human being is cosmetic.
I love being around people of high character. They stroke my desire to grow, expand and improve. They make me want to be a better person.
Surround yourself with people who are striving for virtue and character. And beware anyone who is incapable of delaying gratification. It is a sure sign that virtue has been banished from someone’s life.
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