One of the remarkable attributes a person can possess is moral character. Margaret Chase Smith, the first woman to serve in both houses of the U.S. Congress, said, “the right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.”
It is important for people to live believing in the best of others who might not have the same wealth, education or background, who may look different or who may have been brought up in a different culture. Possessing moral character is when a person seeks the best in others.
Sometimes passionate, purpose-driven people do not see things clearly. That is why we need to check our cognitive behavior from time to time. This is not to say that we should mirror what others do or that we should agree with others when it goes against our moral character.
One of the worst arguments recorded in the Bible took place between Paul and Barnabas, one of the most successful ministry teams of all time. On one mission trip, Paul became upset with John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, for taking time off from their ministry to be with his family. When Barnabas wanted to take John Mark along on another mission trip and Paul didn’t, the two men had a terrible argument. Their differences led to a parting of their friendship.
Sometimes people need to take time off from their work to be with family and the people and things they enjoy. Joy can enter our very being of life whenever they become less passionate, and purpose driven about their work. Life is meant to be enjoyable. However, we should be aware of this reality that life isn’t always a bed-of-roses.”
There are several important lessons life teaches us (1) Everyone deserves another chance. After all, that is what God repeatedly does for all of us. From time to time you are going to be hurt when you stand up for what is morally right. (2) Never make your personal preferences a condition for loving, accepting, and working with someone. (3) Look for the best in others and not the worst and you will have unimaginable friendships.
When your moral character is in check as God intended, you will possess a treasure that will keep you well grounded in things that matter the most in life. And when you are, you will look for the best in people and value them. When people are appreciated, they will feel it and rise to the higher expectation. So Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Chaplain Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
