What's the value of Your Character?
October 15, 2915
TimeWatch Editorial
All letters stored in a computer are actually numeric – they aren't really stored as tiny abc's. Instead, each letter in the alphabet is assigned a number and that number is stored. Unicode is a system that assigns a unique number to every letter in every language. When, therefore, a word is written, it is the letters that are seen, not the numbers. These words used in combination with other words form sentences that express thoughts, ideas, fears, preferences, attitudes and many other variables. The numbers remain hidden. Were all the accumulated numbers added together, the mathematical density of our sentences would be overwhelming. It is the expression of views and aspirations that flow into the conscientiousness of those who listen.
Verbal utterances however are even more informative than we might suspect. They reveal the character, not necessarily the desired impression we would like to leave, but the soul. These are the vehicles that transport the hidden intent and motive of our existence. In combination with the tone, facial expressions and body language, an unmistakable resume is presented. If we could count the numbers attached to our communications, imagine counting the thing we say, then adding that total to the things left unsaid, plus, that part of the soul that we would prefer to remain hidden. That total would be staggering.
Accumulated numbers are never a safe assessment of motive, intent or success. The manufacture and distribution of millions of vehicles over an apparent successful period of time, containing “flawed” programming designed to mislead inspection equipment, when ultimately revealed will most certainly reverse both profit and reputation. The blissful sale of subprime mortgages by those who assess in advance the unsuitability of those who are led to believe that this is a wonderful opportunity, will ultimately produce loss of assets and self worth.
The abandonment of biblical principles simply to expand the seating capacity of an auditorium, will ultimately destroy the present and future of the souls who have not been sold the full value of the Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness and Victory that can be found in The Word of God. Even more than the financial wreck of a flawed vehicle or the impoverishing shock of a foreclosure, the heartless greed of those who so engage will indeed suffer eternally. That suffering begins here. With all the accumulated wealth taken from the pockets of those who day by day survive from moment to moment, those who feed the lust within still find no joy. The acclamation received will not satisfy, because the heart, deceitful as it is, cannot be satisfied.
So what is the value of your character? Are numbers your obsession? Which numbers fascinate you the most? How do you count what you count? Do you count by volume or by value? Remember, when the facts are recorded, the numbers are hidden. It will be the descriptive words that are seen. All the numbers in the world are meaningless, unless they represent the value of a character that is rooted and grounded in truth. So, today might be the day you do a re-evaluation, a re-assessment. Today might just be the day.
What messages are communicated when you act, when you speak, or for that matter, when you don’t speak? Does a description of you include the words loving, pleasant, gentle, peaceful, helpful, and patient? What is truly the measure of your success? Remember, it was after David’s great victories that he was persuaded to ‘number Israel.’ Until then, the number of Israel had remained unknown. Their past victories were not based upon numbers, but upon character, upon faith, and upon trust.
Cameron A. Bowen
