AUDIENCES

Parents and grandparents
Until a century ago most literature about parenting dealt with developing character. Character qualities were mentioned often. Yet now the mention is rare. May I submit to you that character development is the major contribution that a parent and grandparent can make? And in order for that to occur it needs to be done prayerfully and carefully over the course of many years. Most of the experts indicate that the early years are most critical for such matters.

Home school teachers
You have many hundreds of hours with each student. May I suggest that twenty to forty years from now what will endure is your emphasis on the character issues. Book learning has value but never underestimate these matters.

Bible teachers
There are dozens of Sunday school lessons that relate to the positive and negative character qualities exhibited in the Old and New Testaments. The epistles admonish us to change our attitudes and behaviors. Spiritual maturity involves becoming like Christ and that leads to this kind of transformation.

Pastors
If you are ever seeking for inspiration on what to preach about then just prayerfully examine these lists. You could find many whole sermons and strong points to weave into expositional sermons. These can be used to both correct the imbalance in the congregation and to lead them into maturity. And when you are counseling an individual, couple or family you may notice that these character qualities are a big part of the dynamic.

Counselors, Therapists, Coaches, and Mentors
Here is a way for you to connect with your clients. Help them to identify the character qualities that they want to have MORE and LESS. Then work with them to plan and take action. That will lead them and you into the hidden walls, trap doors, motivational well springs and other issues. Do not make the issue is not good or bad nor right or wrong. Those judgments can bring guilt and shame. Instead move toward the MORE and away from the LESS.