—spiritual perspectives—
Character Does Count

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Elizabeth Windisch
Special to the Independent 

Character counts. We teach our children to behave in a certain way so that they have “character.” It is a word that is somewhat vague in definition. Webster tries: character is “the aggregate of distinctive qualities belonging to an individual...; the stamp of individuality impressed by nature, education, or habit. Reputation. Moral vigor or firmness, especially as acquired through self-discipline.”  

Someone is of a good or bad character. Qualities that are generally associated with one of good character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.  Teaching the meaning of these values or “pillars” has been the focus of a school-wide ”Character Counts” program for a number of years in our school district and across the country.

I know there are many teachers, counselors, parents, and friends who work hard to share and model these concepts with children and youth. However, we all know that children learn first and best by watching and imitating those around them. The values we say we want our children and youth to imitate are often not what they see modeled in the adults they connect with on a daily basis, read about in the newspaper, see on the television, hear on the radio. From politicians and professional athletes to media evangelists and corporate CEOs (and other professionals as well), there seems to be a “greed and power gene” that kicks in as many climb the ladder of success.

It is nothing new. It was Jesus’ confrontations with some of the Pharisees and Sadducees of his day that got Him into trouble. His delineation of the lack of caring, and respect for their fellow Jews (as well as Gentiles), and their neglect of their responsibility to the poor, the hungry, the widows and children, those who needed clothing and shelter — this outspokenness is what angered some enough to seek his death.  

Christians often forget that Jesus pushed for social change — He modeled kindness, respect, and acceptance to all, including children, women, tax collectors, and Gentiles. Jesus’ actions were radical for the social and cultural rules of his time.

As a community and as a society we forget that our actions speak louder than words. When we disregard traffic laws, when we allow those who hurt others back on the streets (DWIs and abusive individuals), when we elect individuals to represent us who are deceitful, when we spend more on cosmetics than feeding the poor and helping the homeless, when we watch TV or play video games rather than volunteering an hour or two for Habitat for Humanity or being a companion for a senior citizen, then we wonder why our children and youth don’t show respect or take on responsibility.  

Certainly, there are many wonderful caring, responsible, trustworthy, fair, respectful, and worthy citizens in our community and country, but if we are going to make this a better world to live in, if we want our children to grow into individuals of character, we had best get busy and do a better job of modeling. It may not be enough for us to be the models, we may need to encourage and support others to be better role models as well. Christianity does not lack for good role models. Jesus — the greatest role model — got us off to a good start, followed by many disciples and saints.  St. Francis, with his care and love for the environment, animals, and the poor, was exemplary.

Opportunities abound in our community to give back, take charge, show love, and be part of the solution. One such is the CROP Walk to help end hunger locally and globally. On Sunday, Oct. 19 beginning at 2 p.m. for a couple of hours and a couple of miles, friends and neighbors will come together to, in the words of I John 3:18: “...love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” The Walk is a celebration and demonstration of the work of volunteers who have secured donations for CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty).

Through the CROP Walk, friends, families, co-workers, youth groups, and congregations help support Church World Service at work in some 80 countries to help those in need help themselves through refugee assistance, self-help development programs, advocacy, and disaster relief. Locally, funds will help support our Community Food Pantry and Homeless Drop-in Center. For more information or to help, contact Betsy at (505) 863-4512 or 722-9257, Sister Mary at 722-0999, or visit www.cropwalk.org.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Windisch is the Christian Education Director at First United Methodist Church-Gallup and is active in environmental and social justice issues. She can be contacted at (505) 863-4512.

This column is written by area residents, representing different faith communities, who share their ideas about bringing a spiritual perspective into our daily lives and community issues. For information about contributing a guest column, contact Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola at The Independent: (505) 863-6811 ext. 218 or lizreligion01@yahoo.com.