It's interesting that not only do we become what we are?.but we become what we focus on, whatever is foremost in our minds eye. Now, I don't think it does many of us any good to make a list of what not to look at. As Oscar Wilde said, "I can resist anything?but temptation," and to label something with a prohibition is to set up an flashing-neon enticement. However we should be careful to actually see the thing we are surrounded with, and not just passively look at them. We can't just accept the images, opinions and ideas that are thrown at us from the whirlwind of our media-rich world -- from billboards and pop-ups to books and movies. They have to be examined and evaluated (and then accepted or discarded) so that we can become what we are called to be, and not what society wants to make us. Main-stream society does not place a premium on character. Niceness, yes. Tolerance, definitely. But not character. Since this is the case it's up to us to be that much more vigilant in "seeing" the world around us instead of just looking.
Perspicacity | Homepage | 08.17.05 - 8:24 pm | #

Let me add that we can do it...and we will excel at it if we will turn to a higher standard than ourselves.
Perspicacity | 08.17.05 - 8:24 pm | #

Just stumbled across your blog and Alex's. Interesting posts. :)
em | Homepage | 08.17.05 - 8:25 pm | #

In the old movie "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" staring Gary Cooper, Mr. Deeds inherits His rich uncle's estate. Being from a very small town and being poor His whole life not knowing how to manage large sums of money He is all of the sudden burned with the responsibility of His uncle's finances. As shrewd business men and other advisers try to swindle Him out of His money Mr. Deeds knowing nothing about such things was able to set everything strait because of His character. He knew how to handle the crooks not because He knew there evil ways but because He knew the right way.

Then there is Molly Pitcher who served her husband and other men on the battle field. Her husband was killed while firing His cannon and Molly picked up the ram rod and continuing to keep the cannon firing saving the battle. What was it about her that gave her the knowledge and strength to keep going after knew her husband to die? It was character!

What about Job of the Bible? How was He able to stand the trail God was calling Him to suffer through? The answer is character.

I don't mean to say what you already have said I just want to say, "Amen!"
Grace | Homepage | 08.17.05 - 8:26 pm | #