Lesson 1, Topic 1
In Progress

1.1.4 Character and its Traits

Our overall character is made up of specific individual traits or qualities and each of us has a different and unique mix of character traits. It is your character qualities and traits that determine how you will respond in any given situation.  Some of the positive character traits are:  integrity, honesty, loyalty, respectfulness, responsibility, humility, compassion, fairness.  truthfulness, sincerity, and many more.  

You may have character traits of, for example, attentiveness / alertness.   If you have a strong character trait of alertness you are more likely to be a safer driver than a person who does not see the potential dangers around them, and will also be more likely to see opportunities when they are present.  If your character quality of truthfulness is strong, you will be more likely to accurately report the facts in a given situation and others will recognize you as trustworthy versus a person who tends to be characterized by deceptiveness, (a bad habit in which the reward might be to build up who they are through lying – however there can be many other perceived gains also). 

 

Living with cultural differences

We tend to be unaware of our own biases, placing stereotype and cultural assumptions on others. Only when we become aware of these biases can we build awareness of different cultures, learning to be culturally mindful and adapt when communicating with people of different backgrounds.

  • Work out your own beliefs, values and personal biases. 
  • Do research on the cultures you will be working with.
  • Talk to others from a different cultural background.  
  • Be more accepting of differences.
  • Don’t stereotype
  • Operate from the truth that everyone is unique

If you put aside any prejudices or biases you might have, and you are open to other people, it can help prepare you to listen, talk and learn about other people and their cultures.

One of the most important first steps people can take to learn about other cultures is simply accept that there are many different cultures other than their own. It’s important to start thinking about the positives of different cultures and how surrounding ourselves with diverse groups of people can enrich our life.

A strong cultural identity is important to a child’s mental health and wellbeing. Having a clear sense of their own cultural history and traditions helps children build a positive cultural identity for themselves, gives them a sense of belonging and self-esteem and supports their overall wellbeing.

 

Questions

  • What is the key aspect of character illustrated by the following passage?  
  • Just as water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person. Proverbs 27:19
  • How would you prioritise character aspects (what process would you go through to prioritise them)?
  • What are some character traits you would want to concentrate on developing more within yourself?
  • What is your understanding of your cultural identity, traditions and history?
  • What is the meaning of Character for you?    
  • Reflect on the Strengths Survey you have completed and how you understand it? 
  • What do the five top character strengths reveal to you?
  • Do you see them as a part of who you are? 
  • How do they impact your life and reflect your leadership qualities?

Scriptures:

1 Peter 1:22   Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart

1 Kings 4:29    Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore

Exodus 31:1-5    Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 ‘See I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills – 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.

Sirach 27:4-9  When a sieve is shaken, the husks appear; so do people’s faults when they speak.  The furnace tests the potter’s vessels;  the test of a person is in conversation.  The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so speech discloses the bent of a person’s heart.   Praise no one before they speaks, for it is then that people are tested. If you strive after justice, you will attain it, and wear it like a splendid robe.   Birds nest with their own kind, and honesty comes to those who work at it.