Character

I've been thinking this week about character, which to me means basing your life on and staying true to a core set of values. So many of the problems of society today come from people not staying true to or having a core set of values.

David O Mckay once said, "Man’s chief concern in life should not be the acquiring of gold or of fame or of material possessions.  It should not be the development of physical prowess nor of intellectual strength, but his aim – the highest in life – should be the development of Christlike character. "

Although we might find success in the world or success in our careers from seeking fame or intellectual strength or wealth, to have success in life, to be able to look back on life with satisfaction and peace rather than pain and regret requires seeking after a righteous character.

This is one of the greatest goals in my life. And as I read Helaman 5:12 this week it testified powerfully to me of where we should look to develop this character. It says,

"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

I know that if I build my foundation on Christ, if I build my character and my values on Him that whatever challenges or dilemmas come my way that I will be able to weather the storm.