Weekly Thought – October 1, 2024
Fred staunchly evaluated character – his own, and others. He believed it to be the foundation of maturity. He wrote to pastors on carrying out their calling with integrity, but knew the same principles applied to all callings.
Leading With Integrity
Integrity is based in character. It cost me a lot of money in a bad investment to learn that character is more important that intelligence. I mistakenly put mental acuity above character. One of America’s wealthiest investors remarked in a speech to Harvard students that the three qualities he looks for in those with whom he will invest his money are character, intelligence, and energy. Character counts!
It is so important because it cannot be fully evaluated, but will fail at the time when we can least afford a lapse. And, it is almost impossible to buttress weak character. It is not like skill training that can be developed in seminars.
My experience has brought me to a controversial belief about it. Character is sectionalized like a grapefruit, not homogeneous like a carton of milk. When we comment on the strength or weakness of a person’s character we often assume the person’s personality, values, and character are of one cloth. I have not found this to be true. Some totally honest business people are hypocritical and compromising in their personal lives. Some are trustworthy in one section while failing in another. It has been important to my leadership that I build on the solid parts of a person’s character. Few people indeed have all good sections, and few have no good sections at all. I like to think there is clay and iron in all of us. Our daughter once questioned my business relationship with a gentleman she didn’t trust. I listened then responded, “You focus on the clay and I on the iron.”
I have always been intrigued by the story that Willie Sutton, the bank robber, cried when he had to lie to his mother about his life. Criminals often exhibit impeccable loyalty to their own. In working with others we must identify the iron in order to successfully complete collaborative efforts.
Thankfully, God is the great strengthener of character. As the ancients say, God polishes his saints with tribulation, suffering, trials, and silence. I am convinced that God is much more interested in our character than he is in our intelligence.
This week carefully consider: 1) How long has it been since I seriously evaluated my character? 2) Where are my soft spots I need God’s strengthening? 3) How can I guard my heart day by day?
Words of Wisdom: “Few people indeed have all good sections, and few have no good sections at all.”
Wisdom from the Word: “May integrity and godliness protect me, for I rely on you.” (Psalm 25:2 NET Bible)