Character: A Foundational Requirement for Making Impact
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Character is a developed response to do what is right even at the expense of our own desires or comfort. It requires intentional action, deliberate choices, and discipline. When we are evaluating our actions, we must ask ourselves if what we are doing is right and good. In recent years, the Church has experienced numerous ethical scandals. Over the years, many institutions, including the Church, have suffered significant controversies and moral declines, leaving people increasingly concerned about Christian conduct. Today there is a growing need for honest Christians. This article focuses on honesty as a concern due to the many controversies involving Christians characterized by abuse of power, financial mismanagement and sexual harassment. In addition to all of the above problems, infidelity is often seen in many other areas in Christianity, such as lack of capacity and lack of dedication to the faith.
Among so many differences, however, many Christians are seen as very spiritual and talented men and women of God, who tend to use charisma to cover the reality of their many skills shortages. It has been acknowledged that integrity is a “fundamental aspect of Christianity, without which Christians cannot reflect light to others as Christ did “.”Those who have exceptional spiritual gifts and a high calling never reach their potential because they lack only discipline.” (Maxwell, 2007). For Christians to be sincere, their actions must adapt to their words” (Christianity and the importance of honesty (Childs, 1995).
In other words, before concluding that a Christian is honest, his words and actions must be parallel. Despite all spiritual gifts, a Christian may behave immorally and be incompetent in various areas of ministry, but in a way, it affects the trust that people have in the faith especially those who doesn’t know Christ. From an ethical point of view, members of almost every profession are severely challenged.”3 (Weems, 2010).
In the Church, the ethical challenge was without a difference”. This ethical dilemma includes Christians at all levels, which includes both young, old, civil servants and business owners who are always in contact with unbelievers who are watching their attitude and character at all times. This brings the attitude and integrity of Christians under watch because the world is watching at all times which makes Christian attitude towards integrity more stimulating. (Grove, 2016).
Character: A Foundational Requirement for Making Impact
It has been acknowledged that integrity is a “fundamental aspect of Christianity, without which Christians cannot reflect light to others as Christ did “.”Those who have exceptional spiritual gifts and a high calling never reach their potential because they lack only discipline.” For Christians to be sincere, their actions must adapt to their words” (Christianity and the importance of honesty) (Maxwell, 2007). In other words, before concluding that a Christian is honest, his words and actions must be parallel. Despite all spiritual gifts, a Christian may behave immorally and be incompetent in various areas of ministry, but in a way, it affects the trust that people have in the faith especially those who doesn’t know Christ (Kang & Cho 2013).
During the speech on the mountain, Jesus spoke to those that were “to pure heart” (Matthew 5:8), indicating he was unable to obey the commandments of God. Therefore, honesty does not only mean indivisibility but also spiritual purity. The Bible is full of signs of attitude, integrity and moral pureness. Consider only a few Old Testament references to integrity. In 1 Kings 9:4, God orders Solomon with “honesty and sincerity” to walk like his father. In 1 Chronicle 29:17, David says, “I know, O my God, that you feel your heart, and that you are satisfied with integrity.” And in Psalm 78:70-72, we read, “David with the integrity of heart and skilful hands.” The Book of Proverbs offers numerous verses about integrity.
Proverbs 10:9 says: “He that entereth in integrity is saved, but he that turneth back his way shall be found.” A stable individual has a good reputation and is not afraid of discovery or discovery. Integrity has a stable live site to deliver. Proverbs 11:3 says, “The honour of the just will lead them, but they will be ruined by the traitor’s lie.” The lyrics are a book of wisdom. The sage should lead an integrity life that is part of wisdom. All who pursue greed or lies are tainted by their life decisions and actions.
Proverbs 20:7 says, “A righteous man who walks in his integrity; How blessed are his sons after him.” Integrity leaves a legacy. A righteous man or woman walks in integrity and provides a path for his or her children to follow.
All of these verses imply a sense of duty and a consciousness that we have to understand God’s will in our lives. This will take people with strong aptitude and honesty to be Word students, and then faithfully seek to incorporate the Word of God in their lives. James’ book exhorts us to be “writers of the word, and not just pretending to listen” (James 1:22).
Character: A Foundational Requirement for Making Impact
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Today, character has become a major issue around the globe. People tend to be lacking in good character in every sector with no exclusion to the religious sector too. The challenge of finding an integrity fellow is ravaging in the world today bringing trust crisis with no exceptions to Christians.
In recent years, the Church and its members are not excluded; honesty was a major issue in government, organization and church. The trends of all religions and various religious beliefs are evident amongst attitudes exhibited outside the religious circle. The attitudinal challenges faced by Christians include sexual harassment, misbehaviour, greed, money love, violations of moral values, and incompetence. This research work examined Character: A foundational Requirement for Making Impact.
