The Man Behind the Weapon
A giant of a man weighing over 300 pounds, Carl Swaboda of Vienna is reputed to be the only man in athletic history that has raised aloft more than 400 pounds. But you might wonder if other less publicly known men somewhere else in the world could actually lift more.
Throughout history the strongest men of the land were often recruited into armies. The giant, Goliath of the Philistines, was such a man. But then along came a shepherd boy named David with a slingshot, and soon the giant lay dead, proving strength is relative.
Weapons and strength
Weapons are a “force multiplier” of human strength. With a weapon, the question of “who is more powerful” is not confined to men.
The character behind the weapon
Weapons can be used for good or evil. The good or evil is not inherent in the weapon but in the character of the user.
D. L. Moody said, “Character is what you are in the dark.” What Moody meant by this is that character is what you really are when no one is looking, not the cover-up that you allow others to see. Character is what guides your actions and produces the words you speak. Character is your unique identity, your personality, the sum total of your individual characteristics.
Character can be good or bad. Strength of character refers to the strong and good character. A person strong in character is someone who stands for what is right, who has the “backbone” to express and live out his convictions.
What are the qualities that make up good character? These include honesty, integrity, devotion, self-discipline, determination, dependability, perseverance, conscientiousness, patience, and a strong work ethic. A person with right character does what he says, and says what he does. His reputation is solid. He respects himself, his family, and his nation. (The Marketing Center)
Additional characteristics of good character can be found in the Bible. They are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)
Character shaping
Anyone who has ever raised children is able to look at a list of character qualities and recognize that good or strong character is not something that we are born with. Young children tell lies, are impatient and self-centred, have a short attention span and would rather just play than do chores.
Character has to be shaped. When we are children, the shaping comes from the key influencers around us: parents, extended family, teachers, and those outside the family. But if the parents are lacking in character and they allow other shady characters to influence their children, the children’s character will reflect that.
My character was shaped by a number of experiences and one great influence. Though raised in a Christian home, I questioned the Christian faith. While piloting a helicopter in a heavy storm one evening with no safe place to land, I suddenly became aware that my life could end in a flash and a bang. That was when I knew I had to choose what and who I was going to live my life for. When I was in control of my own life, my life became out of control. I knew that only with God in control of my life would I become a man of strong character—the man I wanted to be.
What about you?
I learned I had to draw on a power beyond myself in order to be transformed. This power is in Jesus Christ, God’s own son who died on the cross for my sins, for my wrongs, for the times my bad character hurt others and myself. Jesus rose from the dead after three days and offers eternal life and a relationship with God. I accepted that gift of freedom from God.
If you believe in Jesus and accept him as your Savior, you accept his gift of grace and can come to a personal relationship with God. He has a perfect plan for your life and he has a place for you in heaven.
You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as he is with the attitude of your heart. Here’s a suggested prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.