January 16, 2016

The Shepherd's Corner

THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

Character is difficult to change once it is already in place. It is like a Christmas tree—or any tree for that matter. We can hang as many Christmas ornaments as we want and even cover it with snow—real or frocked—to the point that we can barely see its green leaves, but there is still going to be a Christmas tree . . . somewhere. It goes the same with character. We can adorn it with ornaments or cover it with acts, deep inside there is still that real character.THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

Character is difficult to change once it is already in place. It is like a Christmas tree—or any tree for that matter. We can hang as many Christmas ornaments as we want and even cover it with snow—real or frocked—to the point that we can barely see its green leaves, but there is still going to be a Christmas tree . . . somewhere. It goes the same with character. We can adorn it with ornaments or cover it with acts, deep inside there is still that real character.

Character-building begins with integrity—transparency and consistency. Who we are inside is who we are outside—that’s transparency. Who we were yesterday at home is who we are today at church—that’s consistency. To grow character, then, we must begin with integrity—to be where we are at today, inside and out. Without integrity, there will be no character development.

Dr. James Houston, professor of theology at Regents College, Canada, has something to say about character and integrity, “My problem is that I can think faster than I can speak, I speak faster than I can act, I’ve got more acts that I’ve got character for . . . so maintaining integrity is acting appropriately.” Indirectly he is saying that character develops slowly, we cannot speed it up. We can only hang ornaments or cover it with snow.

I must say that you have cultivated an atmosphere of acceptance here, whereby everyone can act appropriately and where transparency and consistency are encouraged, not frowned upon. There is no pressure to be someone else; everyone is accepted just as he or she is. Without your realizing it, you have actually created an environment where integrity can grow. It is little wonder that I have witnessed characters grow. Thank you. Please keep it as it is.

Pastor Paul

Character-building begins with integrity—transparency and consistency. Who we are inside is who we are outside—that’s transparency. Who we were yesterday at home is who we are today at church—that’s consistency. To grow character, then, we must begin with integrity—to be where we are at today, inside and out. Without integrity, there will be no character development.

Dr. James Houston, professor of theology at Regents College, Canada, has something to say about character and integrity, “My problem is that I can think faster than I can speak, I speak faster than I can act, I’ve got more acts that I’ve got character for . . . so maintaining integrity is acting appropriately.” Indirectly he is saying that character develops slowly, we cannot speed it up. We can only hang ornaments or cover it with snow.

I must say that you have cultivated an atmosphere of acceptance here, whereby everyone can act appropriately and where transparency and consistency are encouraged, not frowned upon. There is no pressure to be someone else; everyone is accepted just as he or she is. Without your realizing it, you have actually created an environment where integrity can grow. It is little wonder that I have witnessed characters grow. Thank you. Please keep it as it is.

Pastor Paul

More Shepherd's Corner Articles

The Shepherd's Corner - August 4, 2024
Last week while I was reading on our patio, I noticed something on a small plant that we had in our side yard: a bee swarm!  Hundreds or perhaps thousands of bees were hanging on that little plant.  I was surprised because a couple of days before, I didn’t see them there.  I guessed...
Read More
The Shepherd's Corner - August 12, 2018
[:en]THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER As I write this, many of you are in the church, making final preparation for our brother and sister, Bram’s and Natalie’s wedding....
Read More
The Shepherd's Corner - July 26, 2015
THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER This week there are two church families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. First is Ibu Rooz Taroreh who lost her oldest brother on Monday in Manado and secondly is Tante Els Sumarouw whose younger sister passed away Friday morning here in Glendale. We as a church...
Read More