Taken from Proverbs 4:20-27; 6:16-19 and Matthew 15:1-20, this is a continuation of the Lifeway's "Life ventures" series. This week's lesson concerns character. Not "a character", but character - "Character Matters."
It does in Sunday school but does it really matter in life when the chips are on the table? Does it matter in "pocketbook issues?" Does it matter when it comes to "business is business?
Character Matters
Taken from Proverbs 4:20-27; 6:16-19 and Matthew 15:1-20, this is a continuation of the Lifeway’s “Life ventures” series. This week’s lesson concerns character. Not “a character”, but character - “Character Matter.”
It does in Sunday school but does it really matter in life when the chips are on the table? Does it matter in “pocketbook issues? Does it matter when “it comes to “business is business?” To what extent does it matter? Is there a point when the bidding is too high for it to matter?
In a presidential race, the American public was asked if character mattered? They determined that while it did matter of course, there were "other" considerations as well. Unfortunately, they learned that character does matter.
Today is the National Holiday Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. As part of that celebration, President Bush today viewed the "Emancipation Proclamation" written by President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln first announced the Proclamation in September of 1862 but the final version took full effect on January 1, 1863.
Today is the National Holiday Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. As part of that celebration, President Bush today viewed the "Emancipation Proclamation" written by President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln first announced the Proclamation in September of 1862 but the final version took full effect on January 1, 1863.
With its announcement, the 
institution of slavery in the United States "at last approached its demise, allowing the nation to take the crucial first steps in granting citizenship to African Americans." It is said that "rarely has a single document affected so much of the nations history, perhaps no other besides the Declaration of Independence so clearly created the vision of a new future."
How was it that Lincoln was able to write such a thing in the face of such a time of national crisis as the Civil War? It was because Lincoln was a man of character. Adam Khan in Self-Help Stuff That Works says that it is rare that great mean are really that great "but Lincoln was that great" because of his character. Kahn says:
"George Washington never chopped down a cherry tree, but Abraham Lincoln was honest. During his years as a lawyer, there were hundreds of documented examples of his honesty and decency. "
"For example, Lincoln didn't like to charge people much who were as poor as he was. Once a man sent him twenty-five dollars, but Lincoln sent him back ten of it, saying he was being too generous. He was known at times to convince his clients to settle their issue out of court, saving them a lot of money, and earning himself nothing. "
"An old woman in dire poverty, the widow of a Revolutionary soldier, was charged $200 for getting her $400 pension. Lincoln sued the pension agent and won the case for the old woman. He didn't charge her for his services and, in fact, paid her hotel bill and gave her money to buy a ticket home! "
institution of slavery in the United States "at last approached its demise, allowing the nation to take the crucial first steps in granting citizenship to African Americans." It is said that "rarely has a single document affected so much of the nations history, perhaps no other besides the Declaration of Independence so clearly created the vision of a new future."How was it that Lincoln was able to write such a thing in the face of such a time of national crisis as the Civil War? It was because Lincoln was a man of character. Adam Khan in Self-Help Stuff That Works says that it is rare that great mean are really that great "but Lincoln was that great" because of his character. Kahn says:
"George Washington never chopped down a cherry tree, but Abraham Lincoln was honest. During his years as a lawyer, there were hundreds of documented examples of his honesty and decency. "
"For example, Lincoln didn't like to charge people much who were as poor as he was. Once a man sent him twenty-five dollars, but Lincoln sent him back ten of it, saying he was being too generous. He was known at times to convince his clients to settle their issue out of court, saving them a lot of money, and earning himself nothing. "
"An old woman in dire poverty, the widow of a Revolutionary soldier, was charged $200 for getting her $400 pension. Lincoln sued the pension agent and won the case for the old woman. He didn't charge her for his services and, in fact, paid her hotel bill and gave her money to buy a ticket home! "
"He and his associate once prevented a con man from gaining possession of a tract of land owned by a mentally ill girl. The case took fifteen minutes. Lincoln's associate came to divide up their fee, but Lincoln reprimanded him. His associate argued that the girl's brother had agreed on the fee ahead of time, and he was completely satisfied. "That may be," said Lincoln, "but I am not satisfied. That money comes out of the pocket of a poor, demented girl; and I would rather starve than swindle her in this manner. You return half the money at least, or I'll not take a cent of it as my share."
Where can one acquire such honesty? Family values (to use a much over-used modern phrase) certainly; from looking at examples of great people with character like Lincoln. Sure. But real character that never lets you down only comes from one source " It is a gift from God. A gift, but a gift we are given to cultivate.
Understanding the Nature of Character.
Embrace God's Values (Matt. 6:16-19)
Next, we must learn to embrace God's values. Follows a list of things the Lord Hates:
- haughty eyes,
- a lying tongue,
- hands that kill the innocent,
- a heart that plots evil,
- feet that race to do wrong,
- a false witness who pours out lies,
- a person who sows discord among brothers.
Do you think that these seven things are not the only things God hates? "If God hates them, so should we."Now, that sounds like something a preacher would say, doesn't it? It's almost a truism. But, where would our society be without God'sÂ’s character and values? One of my favorite old Gospel songs is "The Lighthouse." A line form the chorus states, "if it wasn't for that lighthouse, tell me where would this ship be?"
Guard Your Heart (Prov. 4:23-27)
Lastly, we must learn to guard our hearts. The wisdom from the Proverbs tells us to:
"guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.[Hebrew for from it flow the springs of life. ] Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil." (Baptist translation)
Back on my original point, character is a gift from God. Our author tells us that only God can cultivate a godly character. Only God can change a heart, and He does so supernaturally. Human efforts to be good or make others good will fail. God's guidance, strength, and discipline are needed to shed sinful habits and develop godly ones.
"guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.[Hebrew for from it flow the springs of life. ] Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil." (Baptist translation)
Back on my original point, character is a gift from God. Our author tells us that only God can cultivate a godly character. Only God can change a heart, and He does so supernaturally. Human efforts to be good or make others good will fail. God's guidance, strength, and discipline are needed to shed sinful habits and develop godly ones.
Conclusion
Here's a pop-test:
T or F Character is important.
T or F Character is important all the time.
T or F Character is important not matter what the cost.
T or F Character is a thing that we work hard to build up.
T or F Abe Lincoln may be the best source to look for to find character.
Now, grade your papers - and your lives.
2 comments:
Great post, John. I have been reading a novel on the Civil War and it spent a great deal of time showing the strength of Abraham Lincoln. Lesser men would have given up long before he did, but he was willing to sacrifice everything to fight for what he knew was right. He was only able to do that, in the face of enormous pressure because he spent his life building his character. Thanks for your encouragement and the time you are taking to teach your classes. This Sunday, I am going to really promote everyone's blogs as a way to really grow in the Lord, even if you are going to another class.
One other thought. You might want to go and change your setting to allow for anonymous and other comments. The way you have it set up, you have to have a blogger account and most in our church would not have that. You can call Chris if you have any questions, but it is pretty self explanatory.
Great lesson, Dad! You are a great teacher even over the internet. I'm enjoying reading your "blogs". I am learning new things and being inspired by your challenges with each one!
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