Character: The Foundation of a Champion

Championship Series

Fall has arrived – my favorite time of year! The brilliant reds and golds of autumn boldy announce the unmistakable changing of the seasons!

There are seasons of change in our lives, as well. Indeed, there is “a time and a season for every purpose under heaven.” And now is a great time to embark on a new season of personal change, growth, and development – a time to begin the process of becoming your best self - all that you can be!

For the past several months we have been doing a “championship series” examining just what it means, and what it takes, to become a champion from a faith perspective. I believe everyone has a champion lying dormant inside him or herself. Jesus said, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5. When you connect with Jesus, and begin to tap into that deep reservoir of untapped potential inside of yourself, you begin to experience life more abundantly and become all that God created you to be!

The foundation of becoming a true champion is found in character -  a character anchored in faith. And btw, the term champion, as we are using it here, is interchangeable with the word leader, for a champion is, first and foremost, a leader!

Character has been defined as moral or ethical strength. It is a combination of qualities that distinguishes a person. There are seven fundamental keys to good character: 1) Honesty, 2) Integrity, 3) Faith, 4) Humility, 5) Caring, 6) Respect, and 7) Responsibility.

Are you honest? Can you be trusted? That is the fundamental question. If you can answer in the affirmative, then you are very likely championship material!

Why is character so important, especially for a champion? Good character supersedes power, wealth, and fame. It sets the standard for others to follow. True champions posses a soundness of moral character and honesty. Champions are the role models’ role models. They take the matter of character very seriously. One’s character becomes one’s reputation. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1.

People of good character can be trusted because they keep their word, regardless of the cost. People only follow those they trust. A person of good character holds steadfastly to his or her moral values and convictions. You can count on a person of good character to do what’s right, even when it’s tough to do so!

Without good character you can easily succumb to excuses, compromises, and self-indulgent motives. It seems that not a day goes by that we don't hear of great achievers in their chosen fields fall because of a failure of moral character. Ironically, adversity actually develops character. You see, adversity and crises are crossroads that force an individual to choose one of two paths: character or compromise. Every time you choose character you become stronger!

Finally, there is a blessing in having good character. ”The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23. Believers are given an additional boost of confidence, for the Bible says, the LORD will never leave nor forsake you. People of good character always have an added advantage over their competitors, regardless of the field of endeavor, be it sports, finance, or technology – they have the favor of God!

What steps are you taking to further build and develop your good character?  Remember, you are a champion!

For more on the crucial importance of character check out the following links:

CharacterEd.Net
Building Character - Character Council
What does the Bible say about Christian Character?
What is Christian Character?

Recommended reading: 

The Maxwell Leadership Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers
Quiet Strength - The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life, Tony Dungy
Be All You Can Be - A Challenge To Stretch Your God-Given Potential, John C. Maxwell
Produced by Faith, Devon Franklin 

Until next time,

Be All You Can Be!

Stay Blessed,

Kenneth Lillard

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