The following poem was written by T. S. Elliot back in 1922:
“Within my earthly Temple there’s a crowd,
There’s one who’s humble and one who’s proud.
There’s one who’s humble and one who’s proud.
There’s one that’s brokenhearted for his sins,
There’s one who’s unrepentant, sits and grins.
From much corroding sin I would be free,
If I could just determine which is really me.”
This poem is about a divided self. This tug of war presents a problem which most of us have. We are a little bit of both: humble and proud; brokenhearted and unrepentant. This conflict shows itself by fence straddling, double mindedness, and flawed character.
What is character? The Dictionary defines character as “the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.” Our reputation is what others say we are but character is who we truly are. It’s been said, “Character is what you are when no one’s looking.” Character is about our moral fiber. The late Zig Ziegler said, “It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that made us follow through.”
The reason I write this Blog is that the moral climate of most Americans has taken a sharp downturn. I can’t read the Enquirer without the headlines screaming at me about the corruption in the State House in Columbus, scams, scandals, physical and mental abuse, robberies, shootings and the list goes on. Whatever happened to Character? Is integrity important anymore? Is respect for others an old idea to be discarded? I believe our character is our destiny. We create our character by every decision we make and habit we form.
In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans 12:9-17, he writes them to build their character by incorporating attitudes and behaviors in keeping with Christ like character. Paul says,
“love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil and hold on to what is good. Love each other like a member of the family. Be the best by showing honor to each other. Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic, be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! Be happy in your hope; stand your ground when you are in trouble, and devote yourself to prayer. Contribute to the needs of God’s people and welcome strangers. Bless people who harass you – bless and do not curse them. Be happy with those who are happy and cry with those who are crying. Consider everyone equal, and don’t think you are better than anyone else. Associate with those who have no status. Don’t think you are so smart. Do not pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good.”
How is that for character formation? No wonder the Christian faith grew by leaps and bounds because of the Christian character of those early believers. They were both the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Finally Paul urges the Roman Christians by saying, “don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.” Romans 12:23
Character matters. What does God see you being and doing when no one else is watching?
Pastor Gene Wells