[Faith-talk] FW: [BlindMen4Christ] A Brighter Tomorrow

[WESLEY BURDEN]

-----Original Message-----
From: blindmen4christ-bounces at morales-family.lljfm.net
[mailto:blindmen4christ-bounces at morales-family.lljfm.net] On Behalf Of Stu
(by way of Curtis Delzer <curtis at calweb.com>)
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 12:04 PM
To: Blind men for Christ
Subject: [BlindMen4Christ] A Brighter Tomorrow

Character Counts

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character,
hope."

Interestingly enough, where I grew up (quite a few years ago now), in our
grade school English classes every story we read had a moral, and over the
door of every class room was written a motto such as, "Whatever your hand
finds to do, do it with your might," that was quoted from the Bible. We were
also taught the importance of keeping one's word. In fact, a man's word was
his honor. It was a mark of character!

Furthermore, every week during school hours students had to attend a
religious instruction class of their choice. One had to have a letter from
one's parents if he/she were to be excused from attending.

But where have those values gone today? Cheating in school is the norm for
far too many students. Recently we heard on TV how one teacher failed a
student whom she caught cheating on her final exam. The cheater's parents
were so outraged that this teacher was forced to resign! Teaching at Harvard
Business School several years ago, Chuck Colson noted that the students
didn't have a clue about ethics. Hence we reap results such as the Enron
debacle. And millions, at least in the Western world, are spending millions
every year on getting rid of wrinkles and the like because they are much
more concerned with their external image and appearance than inner
character.

It seems for many that we have forgotten that character counts!

According to the organization, Character Counts, "The Six Pillars of
Character are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring,
and citizenship," to which we could add a seventh, personal honesty.

Don Johnson, author and producer of "Afterglow,"
wrote, "Financier J. P. Morgan once commented that a man's best collateral
is his character. Alfred Armand Montapert said, 'Reputation is what folks
think you are. Personality is what you seem to be. Character is what you
really are.' House Speaker, Jim Wright, upon his resignation, quoted Horace
Greely who stated, 'Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, riches take
wings, those who cheer today may curse tomorrow, only one thing
endures--character.' Charles Spurgeon wrote, 'A good character is the best
tombstone. Those who loved you, and were helped by you, will remember you
when forget-me-nots are withered. Carve your name on hearts, and not on
marble.'

"Someone has said 'character is what you'd do if you knew no one would ever
find out.' I like Samuel Smiles words, 'Sow a thought and you reap an act,
sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character, sow a
character and you reap a destiny.'"

Whether we believe it or not, character does count--for time and, if you are
a Christian, for eternity!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to always remember that
character counts and help me to so live that my life will always bring glory
and praise to your name. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."


Stu
<mailto:K5stu at sbcglobal.net>K5stu at sbcglobal.net
Reading your Bible today will help prepare you for A Brighter Tomorrow!
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