Searching for Character

With today’s finger pointing, lying, cheating and back stabbing it is clear that one key reason why morality and honesty has gone by the way.  It is a lack of “Character”! 

I remember a time in my life when a man’s word was all that was required.  And if he broke his word he had destroyed his reputation beyond repair.   What happened to this time?  What happened to cause this trust to be defiled and broken?  More so why do we walk around and act as if character is no longer necessary in society today?

I fondly remember my grandfather who never received a formal education. Who could neither read nor write, could only do business only by his word and a handshake.   His word and reputation meant everything to him.   Even if he had difficulty completing his obligation he never ran or hid.  Rather he would confront those whom he owed and would reassure them that he would fulfill his debt.   The key I believe that kept him honest was he had to face those who trusted him.  

Today we do business over the phone and internet with people we cannot see and have made no personal connection, allowing dishonesty and deception to corrupt our culture.   This is not a crutch for poor character!    If we have become a dishonest society how do we change this trend?   What will be the steps that allow us to return to our honored past?  

To start we must find the source of where truth begins!   We will not find it by searching through our libraries, schools, churches, or national institutions.  Mainly because these have all been corrupted by mankind.   In our quest there is only one reference that has stood the test of time.  It has been studied, questioned, and rebuked by every one, but has clearly seared the conscience, troubled the heart, and gripped the soul with it’s absolute resolve.   The Bible, whether you accept or reject it leaves no doubt as to how we are to live our lives.   It states clearly how the heart of man is deceitful, corrupt, and immoral. It also states that there is hope, that man can be redeemed from his sinful ways, that he can have a compass that will clearly guide him morally, ethically, and spiritually.  

Long before my grandfather shook hands and gave his word , he knelt and gave his heart and placed his hand in God’s hand.   Mankind can return to a life of character!  Not by his own rules, but through the leadership of the Holy Spirit.   So, the question is, where will your search begin?