Human beings are so prone to flatter each other and to use the art of sophistry that a true measure of character cannot always be accurately ascertained by the words we speak. We adults are not as little children. They are frank and honest in expressing their opinions.
Perhaps that is one reason why Jesus declared that except we become as little children we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.
The only sure measuring rod of character, therefore, is the sum-total of all our thoughts. The claim has been made that if we could look into the hearts and minds of boys and girls and perceive their thoughts--especially their thoughts when their minds are operating undisciplined away from their daily assigned tasks--we could have a rather safe criterion by which to judge their future happiness and sorrow.
It is a well-known fact that as thoughts blossom forth into actions, joy and sorrow are the results. Thus it can be said to a young man or to a young woman: "You tell me your thoughts, and I will tell you your future."
Since the key to every man is his thoughts, we should thoroughly understand that our habitual thoughts will completely determine our character, for the soul is truly dyed by the thoughts. Therefore, thought and character are one. Our reputation is what men believe us to be, but our character is what God and angels actually know of us.
If we would do as the Lord has commanded, we could rest assured of receiving blessings in great abundance. Then we could sing with the psalmist of old:
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. (Psalm 24:3-5.)
What man among us, having such a characater, could lack self esteem, or feel inferior to his fellows? He might be, and should be, the humblest of men, but both God and he will know his true worth.
Among the strong helps to gain self-respect are personal purity and proper thoughts which are the bases of all proper action. All men should appreciate the value there is in this practice, and in giving their days to the service of the Lord.
The Savior set a striking example, and was early about his Father's business. He did not leave it until his older years, but even as early as twelve he had developed so far in this line that he was able to teach men of wisdom and doctors of knowledge in the temple.
Samuel, the prophet, had so prepared himself by a pure, self-respecting childhood that he was perfectly attuned to the whisperings of God.
The shepherd youth David was chosen above his older brethren to serve in high places in the Master's cause.
A great psychologist, MacDougall, once said: "The first thing to be done to help a man to moral regeneration is to restore if possible his self-respect."
Also I recall the prayer of the old English weaver, "O God, help me to hold a high opinion of myself."
That should be the prayer of every soul; not an abnormally developed self-esteem that becomes haughtiness, conceit, or arrogance, but a righteous self-respect that might be defined as "belief in one's own worth, worth to God, and worth to man."
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