The title, "Character Counts - An Interactive Bible Study". It is available from many sources, but easily obtained from the Pentecostal Publishing House or www.letstalkministries.net (Cindy's Ministry Website).
The small book is an easy read. It took me just over an hour to read it from front to back and that included a couple breaks in the middle. The book has 6 lessons or chapters is 64 pages in length. And is easily written for any reader to comprehend.
Lesson 1: The ingredients of Character
The word Character has been defined as "the person you are when no one is looking."
A person with little character is someone who cannot be depended on to do what is right. Individuals may "talk a good talk," but, in the moment of decision, may choose to serve selfish interests first and give the leftovers to those they claim to love.
Person with little character jump on the bandwagon of blaming others instead of taking responsibility for their choices in life. A person lacking character repeatedly ignores and quiets that internal guiding voice that we call conscience.
"There was a wise man that always had the right answers to some of life's tough problems. A young man approached him to ask a question designed to stump him. "Sir, is the bird in my hands alive or dead?" he asked. Of course, he planned that the old man would be proved wrong at all counts, for, if he said the bird was alive, the young man would simply squeeze the bird to death, and if he said the bird was dead, he would open his hand and how it was alive. The old sage looked at the young upstart and replied, "My son, it is whatever you wish it to be." (McHenry, 37)
Lesson 2: God's Principles vs Man's Philosophies
Moral perfection is impossible but striving for moral excellence is an attainable goal.
How does a person change?
How does a person build character?
How does a person know what is right?
What is the first step?
Lesson 3: Your Conscience: Listen To It
The Voice of conscience is so delicate that it is easy to stifle it; but it is also so clear that it is impossible to mistake it."
The greatest tormentor of the human soul is a guilty conscience.
Lesson 4: Your Convictions: Act Upon Them
Dante said years ago, "The hottest places in hell are reserved for those whom, in a period of moral crisis maintain their neutrality."
"Conviction is worthless unless it is converted into conduct". - Thomas Carlyle
What are the ares of your life where you speak the Christian conviction but your behavior is not consistent with your belief/conviction? Do you talk the talk but not walk the walk?
Convenient Convictions - Strong convictions still stand even if the situation changes. convenient convictions are when values about sex, honest, abortion, or truth become optional.
Lesson 5: Your Courage: Activate It
General Omar Bradley defined courage as "the capacity to perform properly even when scared to death."
John Wayne said, "Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway."
Andrew Jackson encouraged others with these words, "One man with courage makes a majority."
"I learned very early in my life never to take counsel of my fears."
"Courage puts a new face on everything." Emerson
Lesson 6: Commitment to Character
An immature person believes emotion is reality but a mature Christ-centered person turns to the principles of God's Word to learn what a person of string character would do. "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel-that will stand" (Proverbs 19:21).
Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it.
The word crisis, when written in Chinese, is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity.
A diamond is a chunk of coal that performed well under pressure.
Remember, it is decision based upon character that determine your destiny.
We write our own destiny. We become what we do. Madame Chaing Kai-Shek
I would recommend this book as a quick read and it will make you consider some things in your life. Enjoy the quotes from the book. Enjoy the book also. (FYI: The book cover I have looks different from this, so I'm not sure which is the current version.)
Humbly Submitted,
Rev. Troy G. Reynolds
Senior Pastor
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