The Philosophy About Cultivating An Excellent Character
Character comes from the Greek word "Kharakter," which means basically "to engrave with a stick." Think of character like a stamp that you can use to make an impression in the wax of yourself. Whatever your age or experience, building up character is a process of lifelong learning that involves experience, leadership, and a constant dedication to growth and maturity.
It's possible for someone to have so much ability or be gifted with a certain skill, yet when such a skill is required, that individual isn't chosen, because he or she doesn't have the right character.
If you'd build your mind and develop the right mental structures, sooner or later, you will see the manifestations in your personality. "Mental structure" in the context, doesn't mean imaginations and reasoning; rather, it means attitudes that you have cultivated over time that control your actions.
For instance, someone may have a great voice but he's unable to make good music. Not because his voice isn't fantastic, but because he's not trained and disciplined to make the most of his gift. We read about Reuben in our opening scripture. Reuben's character and ability collided. He was the beginning of Jacobs strength, the excellence of his wisdom. That means Jacob invested so much in him, but he was unstable as water; therefore, he wasn't going to excel.
The Hebrew word for "unstable" is "Pachaz," which also means frothiness, to be unrestrained and undisciplined. Reuben was undependable as foamy water. He had the ability to be someone influential and prosperous, but his character wouldn't let him excel.
The ability to take on more assignments because of your performance is an excellent character. That means, you are dependable and when there's an innovation to be actualized, you readily come to mind. But there are those who are never thought of, to handle responsibilities, because they aren't dependable.
Become the best of you by cultivating the right character. Inside you are hidden treasures; you came into this world with a unique personality. There's something you possess that nobody else in the whole world has; hence it's important to find your place, and be the best of that peculiar you.
So from now think "true blue". Be honest, don't deceive, cheat, or steal. Be reliable, have the courage to do the right thing. Build a good reputation, be loyal to everyone. Treat others with respect, be tolerant, be considerate of the feelings of others. And with this you'd really come out in flying colors.
God bless!
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Interesting idea about relationship between character and ethics, i.e. integrity. Nevertheless we know historic figures that weren't moral but had character.
True talk, thanks for the comment...