Character. Part two

 

As I mentioned in my last post, quality character building is intentional and 24/7. We are the hands that shape these aspects of our childrens’ lives. What are we shaping? What are the elements that are necessary for our kids to have “good character”?

 

Much of the impartation of my values into my children was the unconscious display and enforcement of the values my dad had placed in me. Through adolescence, and even now, I have brought these standards to the Lord for clarification, revision, or deliverance.  Many have not changed. Some have been modified and solidified with some being abandoned completely. The standard for character is God. If God does it, it is good. Knowing Him and living like Him is the goal. Debbie and I frequently discussed the foundations laid in our formative years and prayerfully evaluated the importance of passing them on to our children. We discussed systematic theology’s description of the attributes of God and frequently returned for more discussions to make sure we were accomplishing our goals. Having agreement on these attributes is vital and disagreement between you and your spouse will cause confusion and distrust. 

 

In searching for ways to concisely express each of the attributes we wanted our children to develop, I have found that they all seem to fit under one of two umbrellas: Responsibility and Respect. The list below highlights some of the specific attributes in each category.  

 

Responsibility 

• Integrity 
• Commitment 
• Quality
• Justice

 

Respect

• Love
• Honor
• Mercy
• Grace
• Communication 

 

Because character is an expression of our real self, these attributes are rarely seen without significant connection to the other attributes. The intertwining of these elements demonstrates the complexity of who we are. Responsibility is an expression of respect and vice versa. Can love truly be expressed if there is no commitment? How can you say you honor someone when the quality of involvement is half hearted?

 

Over the next few blogs I will discuss my perspective on each of these stones of character foundation.