Character

This week the focus of my 90 day challenge is "Character: Resolved to Choose Character over Reputation Any Time They Conflict".  I've had a lot to ponder on this topic, and I'm not sure whether it will translate well into words yet.  

The "Resolved" book defines integrity as "not doing wrong". A person who never lies, never cheats, and never steals could be said to have integrity, and the world would certainly be a much better place if everyone would live by this simple code of honor.  However, it says character goes a step farther, it requires the courage to do what is right.  A person with character will not sit idle when others are acting wrongly. Character requires courage to speak or act for what is right even when it may create conflict with others.  Here is a quote from the book:
 "Character demands courageous actions, and courage is the virtue most lacking in today's culture.  Most people would rather have peace and affluence, minding their own business, than stand against oppression, especially if the oppression is not directed at them." (p. 55)

I'm going to be completely vulnerable here.  I love reading about people with character.  Their courageous examples are powerful forces of good in the world. (Think of Gandhi, George Washington, Martin Luther, and his namesake Martin Luther King Jr. as a few examples.)  However, I find it extremely difficult to get out of my comfort/safety zone and do more than just read - to actually do good things in the world. "Courage is a person's choice to get involved in defending his highest principles, even when his own personal interest isn't what is at stake." (Resolved, p.56) These don't even have to be anything newsworthy.  I could visit my elderly neighbors, I could get off the computer and read books with my kids (that's more my speed), I could identify local issues and get involved in trying to find solutions instead of sitting around complaining.  

To be fair, here are some of the areas where I have found myself taking a stand on unpopular issues. 1) this (school) year I addressed the school board about home school student issues that were not handled well; 2) I have tried to advocate in favor of thinking of Muslims as people like ourselves when I hear derogatory stereotypes from people I am talking with; and 3) I went to visit people we knew after hearing of their excommunication. As a result we have become better friends, benefiting both families.

Another area of my life where I see the need for greater courage is in getting my Family Life Education hours by getting out into the community and teaching. I have a lot of book knowledge, and a fair amount of personal experience, but I have a hard time putting my services out to a public setting where I might be criticized or upset people by telling them things that contradict their current beliefs.  

Whether I call it courage or character, acting according to my principles, regardless of the opinion of others is an area of my life where I would like to improve.this year.  As long as I am easily swayed or kept silent by my fears, I cannot be a reliable tool in God's hands to bless his children and become what He intends me to become. 
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Updated Jan 11, 2016

I used the definitions of integrity and character that were given in the book "Resolved" without feeling totally settled about my agreement with the definitions. 
This morning I was reading "The Speed of Trust" by Stephen M. R. Covey.  My personal definitions are closer to those explained in  the chapter about Self-Trust, Core #1-Integrity. While I haven't finished the book yet, i would recommend it to anyone who has some time and is interested in book to spark new ideas for personal growth.