Values are based on the changing opinions of what people or groups feel is important. However, character is based on universal standards that are time-tested and recognized as being right.
In 1844, the City of Philadelphia was given a large amount of money and land to establish a school for orphans.
Girard College was founded in 1833 and opened on January 1, 1848, under provisions of the will of Stephen Girard.His vision as a school for poor, white, orphaned boys who had lost their fathers was unique in educating an entirely unserved population. Girard saw a chance to educate boys who might otherwise be lost and to prepare them for useful, productive lives.
Girard's will prohibited the use of clergymen or ministers in teaching the orphans, yet the will required that the students be instructed in the "purest principles of morality" Over the objection of the heirs, The Supreme Court of the USA ruled that Philadelphia could use the Bible to teach the students.
The Court stated: "Where can the purest principles of morality be learned so clearly or so perfectly as from [the Bible and especially] the New Testament?"( Vidal v. Girard'd Executors; 43 U.S. 127,200 [1844]).
Character is not a religion. Character transcends all religions and is a universal standard that is inscribed in the heart and conscience of every person. When God made us in His image, He put within us the capacity to recognize and need His character.
Therefore, when Adam and Eve sinned and their eyes were opened to their nakedness, they did not need anyone to tell them that they were immodest. Its was and instinctive response to being in the presence of God.
Joyce Meyer was writing "It’s important to know God’s character. Why? It gives us discernment. If we don’t know the character of God, how can we ever know who is from God and who is not from God?The Bible says don’t believe everything that comes down the pike. You have to test and try the spirits. We need to know what is God and what is not God. And we need to recognize God in our daily activity."
She summarizes God's character in three big important traits: Justice, Goodness and Holiness. I like what Joyce writes about these three:
Justice
"God is a God of justice. That word justice is so awesome because it means that He will always make anything that’s wrong right. For example, if somebody mistreats me, I don’t have to worry about it because God is going to bring justice. He loves justice."
Goodness
God is good—this fact never changes. And He’s good all the time—not just once in awhile or when things go your way. Psalm 34:8 says, Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him (NIV).
Let me tell you something: When you are having personal trouble and all hell seems to be coming against you, one of the best things you can do is speak this out loud, “God is good. God is good. I may be having trouble, but it is not God’s fault. God is good.”
Holiness
God is holy. What does that mean? In the Greek, to be holy is to be righteous—or to be right. You know I think it would make our lives a whole lot easier if we would realize that God is always righteous.
To be honest, realizing that whatever He does is right whether I like it or not has helped me in my walk with God.
He’s always right. Whether it feels good to me or not, it’s right. And whether or not I agree with it, He’s right.
These three traits are not the only characteristics of God, but they are three significant and powerful ones. With the help of the Holy Spirit, each of us can incorporate these traits in our own personality.In the following months on this blog, we will be looking at some of these traits and we will learn how to build Character in our lives.
Keep up to date with my blog if you want to read more about love, boldness, creativity, compassion, contentment, endurance, joyfulness, humility, patience, self control, virtue and many more.
Have a blessed day!
Love,
TEO 💐
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