What Difference Does Character Make?

‘...Suffering produces perseverance...’ Romans 5:3-4 NIV

Leslie Williams writes: ‘An oilman discovered someone was illegally extracting oil from his property. When it went to court the man bribed the judge, throwing the oilman into debt. However, instead of declaring bankruptcy he paid it all off. The other man died wealthy. The oilman didn’t. One left a legacy of money, the other a legacy of honour. I know, because that oilman was my grandfather.’ Williams continues: ‘I taught at a school where one of the deans flaunted his affair with a student…Shady financial transfers almost cost the school its accreditation…students [and teachers] didn’t turn up for class. Professors gave negative scores to students they didn’t like. Backstabbing created a 50 percent turnover in faculty…In case after case a quick fix pre-empted character development. The result was a college…trapped in a downward spiral of pettiness, low standards, and jealousy. What difference does character make? Now I work at [a college] where administrators make the tough decisions necessary for survival and respect. Professors caught in bed with students are fired. Drugs and alcohol are dealt with. Professors and students are required to turn up for class. Money is audited, and transactions are on the level. This school received an almost perfect accreditation score. The result is an atmosphere like a loving family. They’ve built five new…buildings to handle increasing student numbers.’ Paul says, ‘Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.’ Trying to circumvent the principle of suffering producing character may bring temporary relief, but in the long run you lose out. Jesus walked out the process from beginning to end. Character-building always involves a cross; but the end result is always a crown.