Hi Peter Andrew,
Thanks a lot for the prompt response. I agree with your definition for character.
I guess what I'm getting at, though, is that a lot of the "mental and moral qualities" unique to us are affected by public opinion. In other words, there is how we behave when no one is looking. And then there is how we behave when someone may or may not be looking. The latter is our outward image, while the former is our true self (or "true conscience" shining through).
Hi Bramwell. I agree we all behave a certain way in public, complying with the protocol, whether its in church, at work, or dinner in a fine restaurant. Though we are all unique the image conforms to social mores. It's for self promotion and maintained in the public eye. I guess Friday night at the bars is for the true self.
Children also can be like completely different people when they are with their friends, than with their parents at home, making choices they ordinarily wouldn't.
Even pets behave differently when we're not looking. It's like freedom!
I think we make compromises when trying to please those important to us, but the danger is compromising oneself. Maybe it takes character.
We all have and are affected by our "social conscience" to varying degrees. This is that aspect of our being which takes into consideration what others think of us before taking certain actions. Such a social conscience is, in fact, quite normal; and it's only people generally considered insane who have little to no regard for society's opinion in determining their actions.
Yes, I see the influence on behavior by what other people think. Society puts a premium on image, and the one in fashion is the one people want. We desire respectability. If I were a slob and represented it to others, it would signal a character defect.
True Christian character, on the other hand, works independently from thoughts of others. It's only real concern is God, and what He thinks of our actions.
Thank God we're not of the world, but we still live in the world. To hear Him say well done is more valuable than what the world thinks of godliness as a character trait.
In the gospels, we hear numerous stories about (for example) religious leaders who preferred the "praise of men" to the praise which only comes from God. In fact to get the latter, we must risk the former.
Hypocrisy exists when we pretend to be one way, while actually being (or doing) another. Hypocrisy is also something Jesus preached most against (aside from greed).
Yes, those folks were zealous for the law but their hearts were far from God. They boasted in the law but were servants of sin, like the rest of the world.
I'm trying to establish a link between true character, sincerity, and its antithesis (i.e. hypocrisy). I wonder if anyone else can see such connections?
I'm not sure I understand. Are you judging character based on the law, doing the right thing for the right reason, and looking for a method? I don't see the link because the law condemns all. We would have to exceed the pharisees.
The true self is what determines character, and I see no profit if walking in the wicked way. The only other way is to be conformed to the image of Christ. That's where I can see a link between character and sincerity.
I can't see a link with those of the world. Because of the darkness, evil doers see themselves as good, which they prefer.
And we who are in the light still get tempted and do sinful things. It's not necessarily hypocrisy, but by God's grace every day we're putting on the new man. Can't help but loving the God who forgives iniquity; thank you Lord Jesus.
