Cameos of Character, Session 1
Genesis 39
Definition of Education
- Speaker defines education as transitioning from unconscious to conscious ignorance
Character and Society
- W.H. Auden's quote on the nature of modern personalities vs. character
- God's method of using character in corrupt societies is introduced
- Character is emphasized as the core of human integrity
Testing and Character Development
- God tests individuals deeply before using them
- Suffering and trials develop character and make a person magnetic
Session Structure Overview
- Three sessions: "Why Character?", "What is Character?", and "How to Develop Character?"
- Each session includes a biblical profile and practical principles
Biblical Profile of Joseph
- Joseph’s story is examined, focusing on his trials, resistance to temptation, and his success
- Comparison between Joseph’s integrity in Genesis 39 and Judah’s immorality in Genesis 38
- The Lord's presence in Joseph’s life is highlighted as the key to his success
Lessons from Joseph's Life
- Joseph's integrity resulted in success, trust, and promotion
- Potiphar’s wife’s seduction and Joseph’s refusal, based on three convictions: loyalty to his master, himself, and God
Practical Principles on Character
- Absolute standards in a morally disintegrating society
- Biblical standards, such as the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes, are discussed as essential for character
Character and Dysfunctional Society
- Eugene Peterson’s critique of modern society’s lack of admirable figures
- Contrast between societal celebrities and true saints
- The impact of culture on character and the need to resist cultural conformity
Shifting Paradigms of Success
- Society’s shift from valuing character to valuing personality, skills, and image
- The fragmented nature of modern success compared to the integrated nature of true character
Character in Church and Leadership
- Churches are suffering from "AIDS" – Acquired Integrity Deficiency Syndrome
- The church’s credibility is at risk, as society demands that believers "be the gospel"
Leadership and Character
- Character is essential for Christian leadership
- People follow leaders they trust, and leadership failure often results from character flaws
Illustration of Leadership and Success
- Anecdote of a wealthy man who realizes his life's pursuits were misguided
- The importance of character over material success
Final Reflections on Character
- The struggle with celebrity culture and the risk of being placed on a pedestal
- Importance of integrity, humility, and self-awareness in leadership is underscored
Closing Prayer
- Prayer for authenticity, deliverance from superficiality, and strength in testing
- Hope for raising a new generation of Christian leaders marked by character
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.
About the Contributors
Howard G. Hendricks
Dr. Howard G. Hendricks, known simply as “Prof,” directly or indirectly touched millions of lives in the evangelical community and beyond. For more than sixty years Prof served on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), where he taught more than ten thousand students. He served as the chairman of the Center for Christian Leadership for over twenty years. He also ministered in person in more than eighty countries. Through speaking engagements, radio, tapes, films, the sixteen books he authored and coauthored, countless journal and popular-market articles, his service on numerous boards, and his work as a chaplain to the Dallas Cowboys (1976–1984), his reach was and is worldwide.
His legacy, in partnership with Jeanne, his wife of more than sixty-five years, includes four children and six grandchildren. Holding large audiences enthralled at venues such as Billy Graham’s conference center or Promise Keepers’ stadium rallies, Prof would confide, “It’s wonderful to be here with you, but I have a group of delicious students waiting for me back at the seminary.”
Contributors
