Articles for Parents
04-26-12
Character Casts A Shadow
“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” -Abraham Lincoln
"Character" can define who we really are. "Reputation" can define what others think about us based upon what they see or hear. Our character should derive from our relationship with God through faith in Christ. As we grow spiritually, our character should also grow to reflect more of Jesus and less of us. This is as true for our children as it is for us.
Talk of "good behavior" to our children rings hollow without faith in Christ and a model of Christian character from parents and other adults. Christian parents must strive to lead their children strongly in both of these things. Sharing and showing our faith to our children is vital.
There is often a disconnection with the importance of character when it comes to kids. We may teach them to accept a lack of character growth by dismissing their actions with statements of "boys will be boys," "let kids be kids," and the like. Proverbs 20:11 tells us clearly that character matters for our kids in stating "Even a child is known by his deeds, whatever what he does is pure and right." Character leads to reputation: whatever is in our hearts as acceptable will be shown to others.
If character is indeed the tree and reputation the shadow, then what about the fruit the tree produces? Jesus speaks the analogy of the outflowing of our hearts as represented by fruit growing on a tree. In Luke 6:43-44 He states "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush." This fruit is what is produced in our hearts and from our character and, to a very large extent, builds our reputation.
We must prayerfully examine our own hearts. As we seek to grow closer to God, our character will also grow. Remember that sharing and showing our faith to our kids is vital in helping build their character. Focus on the tree through faith and growth in Christ and the shadow will take care of itself!
"Character" can define who we really are. "Reputation" can define what others think about us based upon what they see or hear. Our character should derive from our relationship with God through faith in Christ. As we grow spiritually, our character should also grow to reflect more of Jesus and less of us. This is as true for our children as it is for us.
Talk of "good behavior" to our children rings hollow without faith in Christ and a model of Christian character from parents and other adults. Christian parents must strive to lead their children strongly in both of these things. Sharing and showing our faith to our children is vital.
There is often a disconnection with the importance of character when it comes to kids. We may teach them to accept a lack of character growth by dismissing their actions with statements of "boys will be boys," "let kids be kids," and the like. Proverbs 20:11 tells us clearly that character matters for our kids in stating "Even a child is known by his deeds, whatever what he does is pure and right." Character leads to reputation: whatever is in our hearts as acceptable will be shown to others.
If character is indeed the tree and reputation the shadow, then what about the fruit the tree produces? Jesus speaks the analogy of the outflowing of our hearts as represented by fruit growing on a tree. In Luke 6:43-44 He states "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush." This fruit is what is produced in our hearts and from our character and, to a very large extent, builds our reputation.
We must prayerfully examine our own hearts. As we seek to grow closer to God, our character will also grow. Remember that sharing and showing our faith to our kids is vital in helping build their character. Focus on the tree through faith and growth in Christ and the shadow will take care of itself!