Proverbs, Character, and Obama! Oh my!

This morning, as I was reading proverbs, I read the following scripture:

A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.
Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.
His malice may be concealed by deception,
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
Proverbs 26:24-26

Remind you of anyone? This scripture fits Obama perfectly, doesn't it?

I was once taught to read one chapter in Proverbs every day. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. So everyday you read the chapter that corresponds to the day. For example, today is March 26 so I read Proverbs 26. Doing this every morning only takes a few minutes but it makes such a difference in my life. I actually enjoy it and look forward to it. Those of you who have made it a habit to read God's love letter to us (the Bible) every morning know what I mean. Those of you who don't, try it for a month and you will see what you have been missing. You don't have to read the whole Bible in one sitting, just 15 minutes or so. Try it.

Did you know that Proverbs was written by King Solomon? Solomon is undeniably, not only the wisest man who ever lived, but the richest man as well! There is a great book I HIGHLY recommend The Richest Man Who Ever Lived: King Solomon's Secrets to Success, Wealth, and Happiness written by an awesome man I have had the honor of meeting whose true life story involves getting fired from job after job after job for SIX years straight and then actually became a (famous) millionaire all due to him reading AND applying what he read in Proverbs. Click here if you want to learn more: Steven K. Scott

The Proverbs scripture above tells the story of a person who has "charisma" (charming speech, disguised lips) and lacks "character" (malice, evil heart, wickedness). This very scripture above, sadly yet accurately, reflects our present day president. One of the underlying reasons, I believe, Obama was elected is because in today's world people often mistake "Charisma" with "Character"! They are quite different, almost even opposite. Charisma is the fancy speeches and shiny packaging, but character is at the core of who we are deep inside, the "real" us. For example: Hitler had alot of charisma, but as history has proven, he undoubtedly lacked character. Sadly, Obama, like Hitler, has charisma galore, but one need only to study him and see the truth of his lack of character. Obama is like the nicely wrapped gift with the pretty bow at Christmas, that when unwrapped reveals a cheap, tacky gift. In the end, it doesn't matter how fancy the gift wrap is or how colorful the decorations are, it is still a cheap, tacky gift inside.

When all the parades and cheering fans have passed by, character (or lack therof) is what is left. In times of difficulty, it is character and integrity that sustains us. That helps us to do the right thing even when no one is looking. If we lack character, we are nothing but an empty shell.

Ultimately, it is up to us to learn and develop our character and then turn around and teach the younger generations, not so much with sermons and lectures but by example. The most powerful sermon is how you live your life: a life of honor, integrity, and CHARACTER!

Another great man I have had the honor of meeting is Jim Rohn. His books and CD's are read and listened to the world over, changing the lives of those who apply what they learn.

"Character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your fingerprints. It's something you weren't born with and must take responsibility for forming." ~Jim Rohn

How about developing YOUR character while driving in your car: Cultivating an Unshakeable Character

Have an Amazing Day! ~Marisela