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"Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character." Heraticlus of Ephesus
Table talk had become a long standing habit for meals.
As per Clarkson values, someone started a discussion. This night it was about cultivating personal character and morality. I plunged into the conversation, "What has kept each of you committed to moral purity, even in the midst of living in very post modern, liberal places?"
The conversation took twists, turns, loudness of voice as they told stories of friends, shared convictions, and pontificated a bit. (The culture of eating meals together regularly!)
"Why do many capitulate to the cultural standard even though raised in Christian homes?" became a focus of the topic.
SELF-GOVERNMENT--PRINCIPLES OF OWNING OUR OWN LIVES OF EXCELLENCE was the line repeated by all of the kids. And then they chimed in together,
"I CANNOT MAKE YOU HOLY. I CANNOT MAKE YOU CHOOSE TO BE EXCELLENT. YOU HAVE A WILL AND YOU HAVE TO DECIDE IN YOUR HEART WHAT KIND OF PERSON YOU WANT TO BE. WHEN YOU DECIDE TO OBEY AND CHOOSE TO BE HOLY, YOU WILL BE BUILDING A CHARACTER FOR YOURSELF THAT WILL SERVE YOU THE REST OF YOUR LIFE."
The idea of self-government, ruling over life, being a steward of what had been given and taught was the goal.
Often we try to moralize their children—rule based. Moral ideals, principles must be taught.
Yet, teaching must reach the heart to inspire a vision, self image. It creates the environment in hearts, minds and souls of children to wanting to be a hero, learning to live by truth, goodness, wisdom in daily moments of life.
Training our children to commit to godly character happened day in day out, correction, instruction, taking time, learning to be gracious in relationships, working hard to complete a task, years of training in the midst of normal life circumstances.
There is no guarantee our children will choose our ideals. Cultivating a virtuous character requires investment of time, patience. Our character determines our life choices. Join me on my podcast for more.