Changes

===Lesson===

===Lesson===

===='''''[[Character]]'''''====

===='''''[[Character]]'''''====

[[UB|Your text]] says that [[Jesus]] taught [[character]] [[growth]] rather than character building. There is a nice distinction here, for building provides the [[image]] that you add to, to externally take upon yourself character [[traits]] that you view externally, where [[growth]] implies an [[emergence]] from within. Growth, the word itself, implies an [[integrity]] already [[inherent]] in the many [[facets]] of character, not merely the [[association]] of parts but an [[integration]]. In your [[desire]] to develop a [[morontia]] [[character]] you can, of course, [[aspire]] to traits you admire in others and look for ways to make these your own. Character traits such as [[grace]], [[kindness]], are all worthwhile. But there is another aspect to this that you can apply in your [[life]], and those are underlying character traits that are the [[foundation]] for the traits that [[manifest]]. These lie in the [[dimension]] of your [[volition]]; they entail [[intent]], directional [[focus]], your purposive [[motivation]]. Anyone can acquire a [[trait]] through crafty application of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavior_modification behavioral alteration], but when the core of your being is directed Godward, there emerges these same [[traits]] but [[rooted]] deeply in your [[soul]]. I therefor [[encourage]] you, when you do admire or [[aspire]] to [[attain]] greater character, that you begin first by asking yourself the [[motive]], making a [[decision]] that is [[sincere]], and then apply yourself in its development. You will have then [[grown]] a character rather than [[adopt]] and craft one which is [[fragile]] when [[adversity]] strikes.

[[UB|Your text]] says that [[Jesus]] taught [[character]] [[growth]] rather than character building. There is a nice distinction here, for building provides the [[image]] that you add to, to externally take upon yourself character [[traits]] that you view externally, where [[growth]] implies an [[emergence]] from within. Growth, the word itself, implies an [[integrity]] already [[inherent]] in the many [[facets]] of character, not merely the [[association]] of parts but an [[integration]]. In your [[desire]] to develop a [[morontia]] [[character]] you can, of course, [[aspire]] to traits you admire in others and look for ways to make these your own. Character traits such as [[grace]], [[kindness]], are all worthwhile. But there is another aspect to this that you can apply in your [[life]], and those are underlying character traits that are the [[foundation]] for the traits that [[manifest]]. These lie in the [[dimension]] of your [[volition]]; they entail [[intent]], directional [[focus]], your purposive [[motivation]]. Anyone can acquire a [[trait]] through crafty application of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavior_modification behavioral alteration], but when the core of your being is directed Godward, there emerges these same [[traits]] but [[rooted]] deeply in your [[soul]]. I therefor [[encourage]] you, when you do admire or [[aspire]] to [[attain]] greater character, that you begin first by asking yourself the [[motive]], making a [[decision]] that is [[sincere]], and then apply yourself in its development. You will have then [[grown]] a character rather than [[adopt]] and craft one which is [[fragile]] when [[adversity]] strikes.

I am Stephen. Thank you for this [[opportunity]].

I am Stephen. Thank you for this [[opportunity]].