I am quite concerned.
It would seem that Character has become just an ancient word. Its significance is at best diluted, and at worst, disregarded.
In a fast-paced world of apparent transparency, openness and tolerance we have missed the on-ramp to Character.
Our modern quick fix, throw-away culture has lost the baking soda of character, to use another metaphor.
It would appear that all the necessary ingredients are in place, but in fact, everything lies flat.
Like baking soda, Character doesn’t display itself in the mix until the heat is turned up. Baking soda at room temperature doesn’t even appear to be effective. Character when submersed in an “everything’s cool environment,” appears the same. It is there, but its real usefulness doesn’t yet show itself.
It’s when the option of compromise is present; when the explosion of anger presents; when the action of integrity wanes, in the quiet of privacy, that’s when it becomes evident.
Character, like baking soda, shows through the tough work of Process. We only get it by allowing the pressure, the heat of circumstances to change us on the inside. But then, that makes sense.
The chief baker knows how our lives should look. He knows what the finished product we’ll be, and he knows how real purpose should look. He’s the one who will finish what he has started.
Don’t disregard the pressure or the heat. It’s making something beautiful.
If the timer hasn’t gone off, you are still in process.
You don’t have to live; You get to!