Mary Haskett / Author

    Character is what you are when no one else is looking or you think their not; like the times when my mind wanders during a sermon. I rebuke myself and return to see the pastor talking directly to me. I try to look interested as my pastor with great enthusiasm expounds on well--something, and I hope my nods of agreement are being executed at the right time!  What sort of character is that? Not very honourable I guess. I repent and ask God to forgive me of my short comings. I want to improve in so many areas. For instance I don't want to think negative thoughts about others and refer to certain persons in moments of exasperation as my nemesis. When that happens I'm in to asking forgiveness again. Unfortunately I've had to ask forgiveness on that one more than once. It's a good job God is a merciful God, otherwise this character would be in deep trouble! Then there's times in the shopping malls or out there somewhere and I don't want to talk to someone I know, so I gaze intently at some item that I've no intention of  buying. It's not that I don't care for that person, but it's not convenient right now. If I think about it I don't even know why!

In the 1950s psychologists, Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham determined four components of humans and their characters; their goal to assist us to better understand ourselves and others. Their concept known as the "Johari window" identified four characteristics in us humans. The first characteristic is the self that we see and others see. The second is the self that others see, but we fail to see. The third is what we know about ourselves, but no one else knows and the last characteristic is unknown--period!

These psychologists didn't come up with anything new. We only have to read Scripture to realize that God sees all aspects of our characters. For man to improve his character he must follow the laws of God. In psalm 44 the psalmist gives glory and recognition to God, but later he talks about God having drawn back from His people because of their sin, but at the same time he says, "Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart." (V-21).  David too had a deep understanding of God. Psalm 139 expresses many of his sentiments. He tells God that whatever he does, whatever he thinks, wherever he goes he knows God sees and knows all concerning him.

Like David I say, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139 23-24 KJV).

Food for thought . Don't you think?

Be blessed and encouraged as you march onward and upward with Jesus.

Mary