Putting up weekly pills isn’t fun, so I listen with earphones to assorted conversations. One featured a Jewish host and a California Baptist pastor who refused to shut down his church during early COVID restrictions. Big trouble ensued, but he and his wife assessed the consequences and decided to stand and fight, all flags flying.
The conversation, though, grabbed me with the ensuing discussion of Morality and Character. Morality, they said, recognizes wrong. Character speaks against it—out loud. Their prime example was Hitler’s attempt to annihilate Jews. Most citizens saw the evil in this but did nothing. A number of Christians, however, saved thousands of adults and children, with many paying the ultimate price. (See below)
That got me thinking. I have a strong sense of morality, sometimes bordering on ridiculous. I will not drink a toast at weddings—not for biblical reasons (Jesus at Cana and all), but for the terrible effect alcohol has had on individual lives and families.
Character in my life, though, has been shadowy, at best. I want to get along, be peaceable. I think this started at my 13th birthday party. The boys in the group wanted to play Spin the Bottle, a kissing game with the lights out. Badly wanting group acceptance, I begged my mother for permission, though this wasn’t a game I wanted to play. Being accepted, though, trumped Morality AND Character. Fortunately (or by God’s grace), I sat in the dark with a boy who was no more interested in kissing than I was.
No one ever taught me the power of NO or how to say it forcefully. Over the years, situations came along that I knew were bad, but I lacked the starch to say so out loud. God protected me from serious trouble, but looking back, I see how tattered my character really is. I’m heavy into loving people but not so strong on bravery.
Our country is becoming less and less safe for both Christians and Jews. We haven’t yet been thrown to the lions, but what will we do if and when that day comes? Will we stand against it or run and hide?
What will I do in that day?
How is your character? Is there a story in your background? Please comment below, or email egus@me.com
You have given us much to think about here Ellie! We know that, as Christians, we are working to develop all of those lovely fruits of the spirit, which tend to be on the soft side. Yet, we are told to stand firm, be steadfast and fight certain righteous battles. This juxtaposition is something to pray about constantly. How do I stay soft and receptive on the inside, but tough on the outside when dealing with this crazy world? I struggle with this daily but God is always faithful in guiding me. I am always to respond with love, even when that means being tough and saying no. I was raised by a codependent mother who always walked on eggshells, so it has been a process learning how to be more assertive and set healthy boundaries.
And don’t ever apologize for being a warm-hearted peacemaker! Don’t I wish there were more people like you in the world right now!!
To me, you are perfect just the way you are! And I love the feisty part as well!
Bless you, Sue! This is a tough road, but God has promised to be our shepherd, even in the hard places.
Thank you, Ellie, for this honest and throught-provoking article. We all can only cry out, “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
AME on that, Lowell!
This is the fact many times—when you are “brave” and dare to speak what your heart is telling you, more often than not, much of yourself is up for others fodder. Tearing someone apart for holding to God’s truths. in fairness and justice amongst daily life, is play to the people enmeshed in the world’s shallow “joys”. The “brave one” is left standing alone, being made sport of in a seemingly deep pool that does even include those who were trusted. The long and the short of it is that acceptance is only found in Christ. as many people are blown about by the strongest wind that comes calling.
You got it right, Tami! History is full of brave people who stood up for truth or against evil, and God sees them. We trust fully in Him! Thanks for commenting.
Ellie, it seems that there are many moral people that Christ reprimanded in the Scriptures….you are spot on when talking about the difference between morality and character…they don’t always go hand in hand….I am a people pleaser in too many ways and often it doesn’t make me feel that I accomplished something in the long-run…your message is well-taken!
Interestingly , one of the things that impressed me in your blog is the way you are able to pour pills and listen to podcasts simultaneously…..many people need to concentrate so intently on the medications that they can barely breathe at the same time! You continue to be a multi- faceted and talented lady in ALL you do….
Dotty, when you take as many supplements as I do, you HAVE to come up with some sort of distraction! And yes, I think many of us are people pleasers, and it may only be when we’re faced with hard or life-threatening decisions that we’ll finally know what we’re really made of. Real Life may come to us through actual death.
What will I do on that day?
Well, probably no more then what I do today in smaller character tests!
Yup, we’re all tested each day, but the little stuff is easier to hide. You, having worked with internationals, probably have heard stories of harder testing. I have to keep asking myself, how would I respond to torture or even a simple hanging like Bonhoeffer? We hold each other up, Larry!
Hi Ellie, I’ve been thinking about this question off and on for days. There’s more to it than we see at first glance. Here are a few thoughts, because I’m still thinking…
Morality is universal, in that every society has it’s own idea of right and wrong, probably based on that society’s morays (accepted customs, etc.) So morality doesn’t have to be tied to Christianity. (I know you’ve met moral “heathens”.) Morality can be completely silent and hard to observe, I think. In our everyday meetings, we usually only bump into people who are pleasant or people who are not. Right?
Character eventually shows in actions. When I’m afraid of rejection for choosing something unpleasing to the group, it takes discernment and courage to be “different”. But can a non-Christian person still have good character? I think so. The “rich young ruler” Jesus met ( Matthew 19:16-22) sounds to me like a man with high morals and character.
It seems as though good morals and good character simply improve our interactions with people. They may make us admirable and praiseworthy, or unpopular. Would we describe Jesus Himself as a man of praiseworthy character and morals? I’m sure! But there is so much more to Him!!!
Still thinking…
Marcia
Marcia, you’re a thinker, for sure! Good insights. Yes, both morality and character show up in non-Christians, as all are made in the image of God, and it is a way improving human interactions. Toss in love, as well, and non-Christians can make a good case for themselves. HOWEVER, the non-Christian who makes a point of not being “one of those,” is standing on dangerous ground. God’s grace and mercy is broad—and I’m learning that from reading a lot of near-death experiences—but He does have limits. He sometimes uses wicked people (Nebuchadnezzar, etc) for His purposes but will have no mercy unless there’s a heart turnaround.