Why Character Is Necessary | Dr. Myles Munroe

My friends, here are some examples of character that you should write down. Why do we refer to letters in the alphabet as characters? Because “A” is always “A,” “B” is always “B” – no matter if it’s 2 a.m. or in different parts of the world, like Africa, Asia, or the Bronx. It doesn’t change. That’s why we call them characters. Why do we refer to numbers as characters? Because “1” is always “1,” and “2” is always “2,” whether it’s day or night. This consistency is what defines a character.

Why do we call statues characters? Think of the Statue of Victoria: no matter what happens around it, it remains unchanged. Why do we call principles characters? Because principles are laws that never change. One of the secrets to my success as a coach for government and business leaders, and as an effective communicator and teacher, is simple: it’s not my education. The secret lies in teaching principles. Principles are non-negotiable. You can ignore them, or even oppose them, but you can never disagree with them. For example, gravity is a principle. You can pray or fast, but if you jump off a building, the result is the same: you will fall. Why? Because you are violating a principle.

That’s how character works. A person with character doesn’t rely on what’s popular; they stick to their principles. This is why it’s difficult for politicians to maintain character. Politics often thrives on popularity, which means that to protect their popularity, politicians may sacrifice their principles, ultimately undermining their character and trustworthiness. There are even preachers who act as politicians, selling their principles for temporary gain. This lack of character is dangerous.

Character is simply that which remains unchanging. Write this down: my question is, how often do you change? Are you the same person all the time? Are you consistent and predictable? Leaders must have character because people will not follow you if they don’t trust you. Character attracts loyalty.

Let me give a few more definitions of character to help you understand how serious this is. First, character is a commitment to a set of values without compromise. What are values? Values are the things you hold dear. For instance, if you value your marriage vows, you will never commit adultery. When someone commits adultery, they no longer value their marriage or their vows. As a result, they lose respect, trust from their spouse, children, and even the church they are part of. Your values protect you.

Secondly, character is the dedication to a set of standards without wavering. What standards have you set for your life? My standards shape my character. I will never violate my standards. You need to repeat this every day: I do not lie. I do not steal. This includes stealing time from your job or lying about being sick when you’re not. This is a lack of character; it’s dishonest behavior.

Character is often subtle, and there is no excuse for breaking your standards. I’ve heard business people say, “Honesty is my best policy.” Whenever I hear that, I recall Joseph’s story. Honesty should never be your best policy—it should be your only policy. If honesty is just your “best” policy, that means you have second, third, and fourth options, which means I can’t trust you. A person of character would say, “Honesty is my only policy.”

Third, character is self-imposed discipline based on moral convictions. A person of character doesn’t need external enforcement; they police themselves. Someone of character locks themselves into the prison of their own convictions and throws away the key. Do you have character? Are you for sale?

Your future depends on your character, not your charisma. Many leaders, whether in politics, ministry, or parenting, try to get by on their charisma, talent, or gifts. However, your gifts will never protect you. In fact, your gifts can destroy you if they are not accompanied by strong character. The only thing that can protect your talents and gifts is your character.

This is the most important lesson you will ever encounter because it teaches you what will protect your future: your character.