“Let Integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You“-Psalm 25: 21 (NKJV)

Character Matters is one of the titles of subjects of my forthcoming book, “Am I A Christian? that would be published shortly.

In our fast paced busy world where fame, power and prosperity are the driving forces to attain fulfillment, honesty, humility and sacrifice seem overlooked or unheard terms. As a result, we fail to raise great leaders of noble character in our society and in the world.

Character played an important role and vital virtue when we were growing up. Our parents and teachers made sure that this virtue is deeply ingrained in our mind and conduct. Because it reflected heavily on parenting at home and teaching at school, our parents and teachers emphasized on those noble virtues. As children, we too tried to live up to their expectation bringing no bad name to our families or our schools. If not, we knew the consequence of facing the caning or some kind of punishment both at home and in school. Stories of noble and great men and women in the world were taught in schools as well as read at homes in view of raising noble characters in children. Instead of money and fame, honesty and modesty were encouraged as our gains in life.

To emphasize the importance of this virtuous-character, I have chosen a few examples from the Bible like

Joseph, -Man of admirable character; Jonah; Joseph Arimathea; Barnabas; Joseph-husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus;

Though none of them could be called perfect in their character roles, their was something admirable in their given role from which we could learn from. The chapter Character Matters on my book “Am I A Christian?”, I’ve explained why I chose these examples and how they stand tall in their integrity, modesty, courage etc even though some of them were just ordinary people like you and I, hardly recognized in the society but their names were chosen to be mentioned in the Bible history,

Though Joseph Arimathea was a rich man and a prominent member of the Council, his name was unheard until he got the courage to go to Pontius Pilate to get Jesus’ body taken down from the cross and given a decent burial in a new tomb cut out of rock nearby. He gave no thought about his safety nor the risk of getting excommunicated from the Council. With no selfish ambition and having no expectation of any returns for his kind deed, he did what he did. Being a rich man and holding an honorable position in the religious circle, he need not have done that. Yet, he chose to do that. That did show his unselfish and courageous character. Never before and never after is Joseph Arimathea’s name mentioned in the Bible. But surely, he would have earned a good place in the kingdom of heaven amidst other disciples and servants of God. HIs example is a great lesson for those who seem insignificant in the world’s view but who plays an important role in God’s kingdom. Invisible you maybe in your peers and society’s eyes, but never in God’s eyes. Whatever we do may go unappreciated or overlooked even by your closest associates. But God who sees and hear you in secret would never leave you unrewarded.

I try to bring out many lessons out of the characters I had chosen in this chapter with the hope of rekindling and encouraging character building in this day and age. Our children need to see more role models of noble characters to follow. After all, we who call ourselves Christians need to stand taller and shine brighter displaying Christ’s character, the best and noblest character of anyone walked on this earth.

I would encourage you to get my book, ‘Am I A Christian?’ and delve into it deeply so that you could examine your stand as a Christian before the eyes of Christ. Our Lord had taught and modeled to us how to live an abundant life on earth. If interested join the band of readers who are awaiting to read my forthcoming book published on amazon.com in December. It would be an ideal Christmas gift to anyone who wants to have a deeper walk with Christ.