Articles > Tips for Better Living: > Character Counts - Part I

Character Counts - Part I

"So get rid of your feelings of hatred. Don't just pretend to be good! Be done with dishonesty and jealousy and talking about others behind their backs. Now that you realize how kind the Lord has been to you, put away all evil, deception, envy, and fraud. Long to grow up into the fullness of our salvation."¹

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.

Trustworthiness: Some time back we heard on the news how one teacher failed a student whom she caught cheating on her final exam. The cheater's parents were so outraged that she, the teacher, was forced to resign! Teaching at Harvard Business School years ago, Chuck Colson noted that the students didn't have a clue about ethics. Hence today we are reaping the results of failed businesses. Sadly, cheating for far too many students and people has become an accepted norm by too many today.

But the fact remains, when we break trust, we reap what we sow—even if it is eventually.

Respect: Another thing I was taught when growing up was to respect my elders and others in general. From answering the phone, to the way I answered adults by saying, "Yes, ma'am" or "Yes, sir". Guess I'm still pretty much old-fashioned because I still do these things.

I also believe strongly in respecting and appreciating the men and women who invest their lives in helping to protect us and the freedoms we enjoy—the price of which has been paid for by others.

And how I wish people would learn from an early age to respect other people's property, the blessings and benefits of our advanced society, and our beautiful countryside!

Responsibility: The blame-game is a very common practice these days. However, we will never succeed and be able to grow unless we are willing to be responsible. John C. Maxwell states, "The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up." When we stand before God, we won't be able to pass the blame. The Bible says that each of us will give an account to God. So it is best for us to start practicing personal responsibility now!  

To be continued ...

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be trustworthy, respectful, and responsible in all that I am and do and thereby bring glory to Your name. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. 1 Peter 2:1-2 (TLB-NIV). 

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