Character Counts: The Power of Personal Integrity

by Charles H. Dyer

What ever happened to good Christian character and conduct? Character and conduct are inextricably connected.  Today’s headlines highlight society’s problems, but then the pundits simplistically push the blame off on big business, big government, or some other faceless entity. Yet—with the exception of natural disasters—most problems are caused by people... people who put money, power, or personal gain ahead of the bedrock values of character and integrity. We are all now collectively paying the price for years of selfish excess brought on by these behaviors. This book is about integrity, character, and values. The key qualities needed to live a life of integrity will be explained and illustrated through the stories of men and women in the Bible. Conduct reveals character, and we best understand integrity when we see it lived out in a person’s life.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian

216 pages, Paperback

First published February 7, 1997

About the author

He is an Old Testament scholar as well as an authority on Middle Eastern history and geography. A licensed tour guide to Israel, he has traveled extensively throughout the Middle East over the past 25 years, leading over 70 different trips throughout the region to countries including Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, and Turkey. He twice visited Iraq as an official invited guest of Saddam Hussein’s government.

When he is not working, traveling to the Middle East, or speaking, Charlie enjoys spending his time writing, reading, and golfing. He is a devoted (some would say fanatical) Macintosh computer user, and he collects antiquities—especially oil lamps from biblical times.

Charlie and his wife, Kathy, have been married for over 33 years, and they have two grown children—Ben and Becky. Becky and her husband are both graduates of Moody.

(http://www.moody.edu/edu_facultyprofi...)

Reviews

[Kim]

Great book.....would highly recommend!

[John]

Rated: C
Good book with human touch. Easy read. Couple of good pieces of wisdom.

[Awaita Atebor]

This is a good book that reminds one of the importance of having a good image.

[Darren Sapp]

Great anecdotes and Biblical stories that show why character counts and we could all use improvement in certain areas.

[Joy]

The set-up for the book is that studies indicate that Christians are just as likely as non-Christians to falsify tax returns, plagiarize, bribe, shift blame, ignore construction specifications, illegally copy software, steal from the workplace, and selectively obey the laws of the land. This is a call for Christians to not just live with information, but wisdom. Dyer calls for Biblical self-discipline and encourages Believers to obey God's word so their lives can match their settled position as God's children. Quote from unknown source: "The Lord doesn't ask about your ability, only your availability; and, if you prove your dependability, the Lord will increase your capability."
There is a big emphasis in the book on perseverance.

[Brandon Current]

"Don't Read. This book has an engaging writing style and tells the biblical stories in an immersive way. However, it uses Biblical narrative for Sunday-school style moral teaching instead of uncovering the authoritative purpose of the passage. Also, the book addresses a much needed topic, but without being convicting."

[Caleb]

Good book if you need to have handy a refresher on some of the most important character traits. Some I could skip over because those aren't my struggles. Others I prayed through because they are my vices. Good reminders, all in all.

[Brittany]

"This book is not a call to evangelical political action. Rather, it is a summons to personal renewal-a challenge to live out our faith in a way that matches words with actions."