Character Counts05.05.10
Aired on May 5, 2010
Narration by Baben Lumapas
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Program Transcript – MP3 Audio
CHARACTER COUNTS
One unfortunate development in the ongoing election campaign is the use of black propaganda by one camp to undermine the character of another candidate. While it is sad, it is not surprising. Character is one of the three things studies have found that make a good leader. The other two are competence and charisma.
While the three are interconnected, in the end, when it comes to choosing the right candidate, it is character that is the most important. Without good character, charisma and competence would come to naught.Competence and charisma could be easily used to cheat or to steal. Both require character to guide them toward good, not evil ends.
So how do we judge character? One way we can do so, is by judging the choices candidates make. For instance, what party or group has the candidate chosen to represent. Regardless of his individual qualities, this certainly has bearing as parties and regimes embodies certain values and represent specific interests. We could also ask, what about the known interests of a candidates might have motivated him to choose his senatorial slate or for that matter why has the candidate chosen to run for a particular position. All these questions will give us insight into the nature of a candidates character.
The coming polls provide us with an opportunity to examine how we make our political choices. It will help us to remember how Samuel chose Saul’s eventual successor, David. Samuel thought David’s brothers were the right ones, because they looked good in his eyes.
But what God told Samuel is also advice for us: “People may look at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.”
For candidates, as well as for us, as voters, character counts.