Character Matters: Nine Essential Traits You Need to Succeed

by Mark Rutland

Restore the cornerstone of this country! Character Matters You are best remembered for your character! The virtues you value are the ones that leave a mark for the whole world to see. Character matters... It’s the evidence of God at work in your life! What can you do to restore character in your neighborhood, community or country?  Character matters… America’s core convictions have been chipped away, but now it’s time for rebuilding. Step away from that “so what” mentality and restore those unfulfilled dreams.  Character matters… Mark Rutland discusses nine specific qualities that everyone needs. You’ll learn what godly character looks and acts like, and how character undergirds and redeems every aspect of society. You cannot live long or well without it! You need character in your life.

Genres: Christianity, Leadership, Christian Living

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Sunshine Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a Mark Rutland Book. I love that he's here in Lakeland, FL. I also live in Florida, so that's a fun connection! With "Character Matters," Mark uses each chapter to pinpoint a different trait or value to go over, like Courage, Loyalty, Modesty, Honesty and so on. He adds quotes before each chapter and also shares personal stories, which I enjoyed! He also shared some fiction or historical short stories to make a point and also went over specific characters in the Bible. There were some examples he used that were a little over my head and some historical references that I didn't fully understand. This was definitely a call to action book. It was a very convicting text, which is sometimes hard to read. I was definitely underlining a lot of great points he presented. In a way, I loved his presentation...let's try to be more Meek and Gracious and Diligent! But in a way, it also felt very...accusatory and finger-pointing...which was a little bit of a turn-off. I totally embrace his message and I want be a better person and I do think this world is getting worse on some level and we corporately can work to change that ...but I can also see the world getting better on another level...so I don't think we're completely downward spiraling like he at times seems to mention. It's a good book and I rate it 5-stars.

[Reagan Faith Waggoner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book on Poppy's bookshelves and figured I would give it a spin. I enjoyed it overall, and its messaging was well-composed and considered. Parts of the book used questionable analogies and perversions of traits that I do not necessarily agree with, but the messaging was generally on-point and thoughtful. Its integration of biblical, moral, and corporate principles made for a solid book. If the "Traits You Need to Succeed" tagline had been on my copy, I might have never picked it up, but it was not. Either way, the book is well-written and I found particularly the first few chapters to be inspiring.

[Stephen A Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome..

Great book. Character truly does Matter and this book is straight to the point. IT his book made me take a serious look at myself and my integrity

[Maggie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read the table of contents and nothing else. This book is old-fashioned, misogynistic, and apocalyptic...we're all doomed! Even in 2003, the word "retarded" was offensive and it litters this book. There is a whole chapter on humility and the author is a braggart about his own perfectly Christian character. 0 stars.

[Joe Oaster · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more but the tone and writing of this author was like a grumpy old man complaining about the youth of the world. He would reflect on times past etc...He made some great points throughout but it just seemed like I was reading a man with an axe to grind.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book about character, from a Christian perspective. It covers topics such as humility, modesty and honesty. You don't have to be a Christian to care about these things.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! The only thing I didn't like about it was that I thought I was doing pretty well on some of these character traits until I read the book! :)

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

rich in life lessons. highly recommend to anyone!

[Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. I'm sure I will re-read it for years to come. So much information that I think I would find something relevant to my life every time I read it.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it.