I���ve been thinking about the difference between the r��sum�� virtues and the eulogy virtues. Whether we realize it, they are the virtues we choose. Here’s what David Brooks, author of The Road to Character says about virtues:

R��sum�� virtues are the ones you list on your r��sum��, the skills that you bring to the job market and that contribute to external success. Eulogy virtues are deeper. They���re the virtues that get talked about at your funeral, the ones that exist at the core of your being ��� whether you are kind, brave, honest or faithful; what kind of relationships you formed.

I know little of David Brooks, other than he writes for the New York Times and was a Jew who converted to Christianity. With that said, I fear someone will comment, “You call yourself a Christian but you quote a man who … (fill in the blank).” But the thought of choosing virtues intrigued me.

Virtue vs Character, Is There a Difference?

Definitionally, virtue refers to a specific, praiseworthy moral trait or quality, whereas character encompasses the totality of a person’a moral and ethical dispositions, including virtues and vices. Essentially, virtues are the building blocks of character.��

Virtue refers to a specific, praiseworthy moral trait or quality, whereas character encompasses the totality of a person’a moral and ethical dispositions, including virtues and vices. Essentially, virtues are the building blocks of character.��

God Says …

Virtues are not merely human aspirations but are divinely inspired and empowered, leading to a closer relationship with God. A few of these are listed as Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ��gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

God’s thoughts on Character threads through the Book of Proverbs:

The integrity of the upright guides them … (Proverbs 11:3a)

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely … (Proverbs 10:9)

Where Do You Stand?

Different places in Life cause us to lean in particular directions. Because I am in the winter of my life, I find myself taking inventory of the types of relationships I have fostered over the years and if my relationship with Christ has ��(or has not) influenced them.

We all make a mark on this world. It’s what we choose that determines what type of mark we leave.

Whether we realize it, we make a choice over which virtue we live. Resume or Eulogy?
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NOTE:
I cannot recommend reading The Road to Character because I haven’t read it. But when I came across that line–that explanation between virtues–I stopped me in my tracks and ��pondered over how I think others see me.Looking for a Do-Over?

Do you feel like you don���t matter? Are you happy ��� or are you doing what you never thought you���d do? Do you see consistencies ��� or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I���d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book,��God���s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my��Book��page.

 

 

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