I'm Tellling Daddy!

We need to be accountable for our character.

Daddy,

Can we talk? What’s going on with your people?  They really need to do a character check on integrity.  My husband just told me that he placed several calls last week and received only three calls back. With faxes, emails, cell phones and the whirlwind voicemail systems, it seems we can avoid personal contact forever. Daddy, are we operating in integrity when we blow off someone’s phone call or don’t respond to a communication?

I know I’m guilty. It’s so easy to listen to a message and know if we don’t call them back, they will call us again – if it’s really important. How rude. I have examined myself and realized it’s not just a matter of being busy (or overwhelmed with many calls); it’s a question of character. I have asked myself if you son was living today, would he return all His calls. Of course, you know He also operated with integrity and had impeccable character. We all should desire a reputation like your son.

You know your children, when things get tough, we like to take the easy way out; we like to take a short cut. But, your word says endurance develops strength of character in us. A strong character is a good thing because you develop into a vessel of honor for God. Unreturned phone calls or unanswered letters may be tests. If passed, these tests develop integrity into our character.

What is this old-fashioned word really mean any way? It means never being late, never missing appointments, not breaking promises, following up on assignments. God expects us to “walk worthy” (I Thessalonians 2:12); it is about righteous living. I don’t mean self-righteous - that’s pride. Righteous living is doing what you say you’re going to do; being whom you say are.

I think some of your children (not me of course) have forgotten that character is linked to our integrity. If we are followers of your son, we should act like Him. We should talk His talk. We are to be trustworthy, decent and always portraying honesty. We are not to be mediocre or inferior because of laziness. But we should forge ahead despite setbacks or challenges. A person of character goes to meticulous lengths to be outstanding and principled. They are exemplar, noble, just and fair.

Daddy, how far would you trust someone who says, “I’ll call you right back” and they never do? Would you trust the person that makes a promise to “get together” but never makes the attempt? You intended for our words to be powerful. When we don’t do what we say, we are indicting our own character.

Our manners show the conscientious protocol in our affairs – business or personal.

Daddy here’s another thing that I can’t get about “your people”, just because you’re a personal friend and not a business associate doesn’t mean I can treat you with any less respect. The Golden Rule of the Bible says to treat others like you want to be treated. You didn’t mention the status of the person or how long you’ve known them.   If people are the same in your eyes, shouldn’t they be the same in ours.

Lord knows, I’m working on my phone etiquette so I return calls promptly and quit procrastinating. Procrastination is linked to fear. I don’t whether I’m afraid of more work or fear of the unknown. Whatever kind of fear, it is the opposite of faith.

Lord, I’m asking you for help and I will trust you to help me out with this.  Without you, I can’t do anything anyway.

Maybe I can start with apologizing for not getting back to folks sooner; being sincere is admirable.  If I can master this simple area in my life, just think what’s in store for me next.   You know when you told Matthew to write chapter 25 verse 21 about being faithful in a few things more responsibilities will be given unto us.  I want that.

Daddy, I know that character is developed and tested with small things. I know you want “your children” to walk in integrity, being accountable to our words - just like you are to yours. Your Word is your bond and your Word is our hope and strength.

I’m going to press toward the mark of excellence and I’m taking my sisters and brothers in Christ with me! I know our lives speak of excellence when we have an accountable character and don’t give in to excuses.

About the Author

She’s known as the one who connects the right people at the right time and provides the right resources to make the right things happen! Her public relations and advertising career spans over two decades.  A graduate from Wayne State University with a B.A. in journalism, Pamela Perry has worked in media and the nonprofit sector. Her passion is promoting Christian books and assisting writers through the American Christian Writers Association where she is president/founder of the Detroit Chapter.

She attends Life Changers Christian Center in Lansing where Drs. James and Stacia Pierce are pastors. She is also graduate of the Kingdom Business Association and Professional Women with Children Cell leadership training from Word of Faith/Southfield.  She and her husband, Marc, have one daughter. Perry can be reached at 248.426.2300 or via email at pamperry@ministrymarketingsolutions.com.