Don't imitate character - build it

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7 nkjv

You can cultivate leadership. But you can’t build character through imitation. Building character in a youthful generation that has grown up with marginalized ideas about morality and character is not easy. The guidelines for life were missing in the lives of many parents and role models.

How do you build character in a child?

First, demonstrate character. You become the message. Do what you say you will do and tell the whole truth.

Then teaching what is right and wrong enforces your example. When you instruct someone to say “He’s not home” when you don’t want to take a call, you’re teaching negative behavior. When the waiter fails to charge you enough for your meal and you bring that to their attention, you are teaching a positive lesson of honesty.

Unpleasant situations also demonstrate what character is about. When you respect the rights of others, you teach your child to respect others as well. When you fail, admit failure and correct your mistake, you are teaching a powerful lesson – nobody is perfect and making amends for your failure shows character.

Introduce your youngster to heroes who faced moral dilemmas, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and biblical characters who faced difficult moral choices. Introduce them to Joseph, who was tempted by Potiphar’s wife, and tell them about Daniel and his companions who refused to go along with the crowd.

Teach them the biblical truth that God honors those who stand for right. Memorize passages of Scripture that will strengthen you in times of temptation and trial.

Don’t imitate character – build it.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5-9