The Importance of Good Character

 

“Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anyone else expects of you. 

Never excuse yourself.”

Henry Ward Beecher

1813-1887

Clergyman

 

 

Those who strive for a successful life are people of honor and character. We are far from perfect and may fall many times along the way, but we do hold ourselves to a high standard and do our best to keep it. We know that it is not what we say that builds character but what we do. The great evangelist from Chicago D.L. Moody (1837-1899) said, “Character is what you are in the dark.”

We have all seen too many “successful” people show dishonest, self-centered, and destructive qualities in their lives. They have traded their character for what they think they can gain in riches, fame, and power. Compromise is the destroyer of many lives. The great Salvation Army evangelist, Samuel Brengle (1860-1936) made this statement about a person’s character: “The final estimate of men shows that history cares not an iota for the rank or title a man has bore or the office he has held, but only the quality of his deeds and the character of his mind and heart.”

Those who strive to develop a good character and live by the principles they believe in focus more on developing the inner qualities than the outer trappings of success. It is not to show others how great they are or to win the favor of people in power. Good character is for you. When you have and live by sound character principles, you feel better about yourself, and you know you have the confidence to achieve your goals. We will all face troubles and hard decisions in life, but those of good character can face them with courage and the knowledge to make the right decision.

“Deal honestly and objectively with yourself,” said author and speaker, Brian Tracy, “intellectual honesty and personal courage are the hallmarks of great character.” A person of character will do what is right because it is the right thing to do. It is not a case of feeling you have to do it, but you desire to. I am amazed by how many people see those who live by Christian principles as having too many rules to follow. People of good character have no rules they have to follow. That is the point of good character, you do what is right because you want to, and it is a choice you make freely.

Those who follow Christian principles of good character are not perfect people, but they try to be. No one has to point out our flaws; we know them better than anyone does. We are not trying to impress anyone or make them think we are better. We want to do what is right and allow an excellent character to be the standard they live by. We know that when we are better people, the world is better. 

You can learn more about Personal Development from the author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2021 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this material may be reprinted or published without the written permission of the author.