IPHC Men’s Ministries and Christian Men’s Network in Dallas, Texas are partnering to empower men for Jesus Christ. Recently CMN President Paul Louis Cole wrote the following article on 5 Ways to Build Character, which we felt spoke to our IPHC men and boys so clearly that we wanted to share it with you. Proverbs 22:1 came to mind:
A good name is to be more desired than great wealth. Favor is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1 NASB)*
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Feel free to share this article. We look forward to the partnership with Christian Men’s Network and what God will do through this new relationship!
–Bill Terry, Director of Men’s Ministries; David Moore, Royal Rangers Commander
It is painfully obvious that a lack of character has bankrupted nations, destroyed millions of families and detoured the lives of millions—perhaps many men who you know. A man’s talent can take him to a place that his character cannot sustain. Character is a foundational ingredient in a successful life.
How does a man build his character? Here are five ways:
1. Commit to live in private what you talk about in public.
Character is a quality of faithfulness most easily seen in what a man does when he is all alone. Or, when he knows no one else will find out. That choice is the difference between men who rise to greatness, or men who just live life. Living your faith in private and public builds confidence in those who look to you for leadership. A life of private integrity gives you a public life of boldness and lifestyle.
2. Make truth the bedrock principle of your life and your speech.
The character of a man is measured in his faithfulness to virtue. Faithfulness is measured by obedience. Obedience is just doing the next little thing God tells you to do. You only do wrong because you don’t do right. Do what is right, don’t do what is wrong. So simple. Yet men follow the deception of their hearts, the pull of the world, and the lure of the flesh. So often our words betray the true intent of our hearts. Check your tongue before it carries you into untruth.
3. Practice forgiveness.
The power of the Cross is the sacrificial generosity of forgiveness. Forgiveness opens, un-forgiveness closes. Forgiving others makes a man larger in his spirit, stronger in his vision and keeps him unbound by the petty circumstances of life. Forgiveness will make you a man who stands upright. We all make mistakes. Yet, a man is not defined by the mistakes of his past, but by the fact that he is a passionate pursuer of the power of God. When you stand forgiving, remember to forgive yourself. We are more than conquerors.
4. Develop friends with a heart for God.
Daniel and his friends were young men of faith who exhibited courage as a result of their character. The key was they had like-hearted friendships. Talent can be built while alone, but character is fully engaged in community.
5. Push away from distractions.
The world in which we live is crammed with millions of voices—advertising, news, media and more. Focus your life by increasing your time reading the Word of God and spending time in intimacy with Him in prayer. What you focus on will eventually become the center of your life. The Word of God builds a living hedge of protection into our hearts. David said in Psalm 119:11, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, so I will not sin against you.” Prayer is the fuel of a faithful life.
As Royal Ranger leaders and Christian men, these are principles we should strive daily to live by. Because as we live out these principles in our lives we are modeling to our young men how they should live. We all know too well that when it comes to teaching about character, more lessons are caught than taught. What they see us do, is what they will do.Character builds heroes. Heroes are men who act in a moment of crisis on a need greater than self
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David Moore has served as the National Commander of the Royal Rangers for the International Pentecostal Holiness Church since October 1998. Before coming to the national office in 1993, he worked in the Global Ministries Center accounting office. Commander Moore has been actively involved in a local outpost since 1985. He currently serves as the Senior Commander for his local church and works on a weekly basis with the Ranger Kids outpost.
Bill Terry is the National Director for Men’s Ministries and the Assistant Director for Discipleship Ministries. Bill resides in Oklahoma City with his lovely wife Rita, where they will celebrate 44 years of marriage in 2015. He is the proud head of an extended family that includes two sons Gregory and Rodney, daughters-in-law Holly and Brec, granddaughters Grace, Annie, Emily and Elena and grandson Adam Gregory.