This week, my oldest grandson dressed up as Mario for character week at school. His friend dressed as Luigi, making them a “dynamic duo.” Although dressing as a character is fun for students, there is more to character than portraying video game figures.
What does character mean to you?
Getting into Character
Actors spend hours learning their lines, but also studying the background of the characters they portray. Seasoned actors are sometimes so entrenched in their character roles that they find it hard to break character when they are off screen. And some actors become so associated with their characters that the public sees them only as that fictional person.
For us, getting into character has a different meaning. The definition of character is: the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual, a combination of personality, core beliefs, and morals.
Good character doesn’t just happen; it must be developed.
Does Character Really Matter?
We all know people of good character, but we also know those whose character isn’t so great. In fact, we sometimes remember those with bad character more. It’s the way of human nature, to remember bad over good. Yet, I want to be remembered for character that is good, steady, and unswerving.
And to answer my own question: character does matter. Our lives speak louder than our words. Let your life, your character, reflect beliefs and morals pleasing to God.
Dynamic Duo
When you think of dynamic duos, who comes to mind? Cartoon characters like Batman and Robin? Muppets Bert and Ernie? Historic figures like Bonnie and Clyde? Some dynamic duos fight evil, while others embody negative qualities.
An oft overlooked dynamic duo is you plus God. What we can’t do on our own is possible with God. God-ordained forward motion happens outside our own strength.
Fear and doubt erupt when traversing life challenges and difficulties, but the impossible becomes doable with God as our shield, strength, comforter, and enabler. Good character comes through knowing, trusting and depending on God.
“The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him” (Psalm 28:7 AMPC).
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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