What is character? According to the dictionary, character means

1. a distinctive feature;
2. typical behavior of a person or group;
3. moral strength;
4. reputation.

Character is an evaluation of the moral qualities of a particular individual. It can also imply a variety of attributes, including the existence of a lack of virtues such as integrity, courage, strength, honesty and loyalty, or of good conduct or habits. When someone is a moral character, it refers mainly to the set of qualities that distinguish one individual from another.

When we watch a movie or read a book, we often think about the characters. Although sometimes the character is complex, most of the time it is usually good or bad. Even in the early days of the western, characters could be distinguished by the color of their outfits and hats. Though we do tend to support good character and encourage them as they go through their lives. We want to see them succeed. But in real life the character is much more complicated. We are all a variety of good and bad character traits. We need to make a conscious decision to do the right thing. Depending on your choices, we are either rewarded or have to pay the consequences.

The definition of the United States Air Force Academy is “We define character as the sum of those qualities of moral excellence which stimulate a person to do what is right, which is manifested through correct and appropriate actions in spite of internal or external pressures in the opposite direction”.

When we think of someone with good character or morals, we can find many that fit the bill. One of the men I think of is Noah. Even if you’re not biblical, you’ve heard of Noah. Noah was a man whom God considered to be a person of good character. Noah was a just man. He was just in conduct and character. He was a man vindicated by God. He was also able to maintain his integrity while his classmates ridiculed him. He was a role model for them and by being a man of good repute and not giving in to his conviction, God protected Noah and the family from him.

Another quote from an unknown author reads: “Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; they become become your destiny.”

By looking at the negative side of the character for a brief moment. The current situation on Wall Street shows the CEOs of these companies as greedy. Shows lack of integrity.

Once your character has been destroyed, how long do you think it will take for others to trust you again? Would your character ever be fully repaired? Would there always be a hint of question surrounding you?

Remember when dealing with others keep your character intact. Also, remember that the true test of character is what you do when no one is looking. Do you act the same when you are alone as when you are with others? As Abraham Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can bear adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”