Weekly Thought > Personal Growth > Character Building
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Character Building
The influence of Maxey Jarman on Fred was well-known to those who knew him. He often spoke of him and wrote frequently of the lessons he learned. In 1976 Fred dictated a memo titled āMJ and Character.ā Share one of Fred’s observations this week.
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I have often wondered about the real motivation for character building. I’m really not sure, and I think there are multiple answers. I do believe character building is like any other aspect of personal development. It starts with the genuine desire to have the real thing, not just the image of it. Too often we have the reputation, but not the reality. Anxiety and secrecy is a price we pay for this hypocrisy.
One motivation you have demonstrated to me is scriptural obedience. And it is not just obedience to the scripture, but to the Lord of the scripture. There is a subtle difference. If it is only the printed word, we have the opportunity to interpret it as a static document. If we accept it as the written, inerrant word of the Living Lord, then we must ask His insight rather than our own interpretation.
Do I make sense? I feel it, but may not say it so you can feel it as I do. However, I believe you already feel as I do and know what I am trying to say ----words are so wooden at times.
I use āobedienceā as a positional word. So often the maturely obedient and the self-righteous do the same thingsā¦go through the same procedures, but with an entirely different motivation. Consequently, their attitudes differ greatly.
Legalists become the master of the law in its application and the servant in its fulfillment. The law becomes their god while appearing to serve God. But they miss.
Character development includes a spirit of belief which is part of the act of belief. Therefore, it follows if one is to use scriptural obedience for character building that one must be a student of scripture. If our nation is losing its character as so many fear, then I believe it must be partly due t a lessening of scriptural knowledge and study, as well as scriptural respect.
This week think about: 1) What is my view of scripture? 2) What is my personal reason for building character? 3) Who is mentoring me?
Words of Wisdom: āIf our nation is losing its character, as so many fear, then I believe it must be partly due to a lessening of scripture knowledge and study.ā
Words of Scripture: āWe also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope.ā Romans 5:2 (NET Bible) (One of Fred’s favorite verses)
