Seeing things through is not merely a sign of maturity but also a mark of strong character. Unfortunately, we live in an age where a handshake and one’s word often mean nothing. There was a time when such a gesture was as binding as a legal contract–a bond or an agreement signifying that an obligation would be fulfilled and a job completed in its entirety.

This carefree attitude of going wherever the wind takes you toward commitment spills over into many areas, especially concerning character. People have become lax in matching their words with their actions. Many profess to have good character, yet their actions rarely bear the “fruit” of their beliefs. True character yields visible results, most clearly demonstrated through integrity, responsibility, and respect. This foundation is strengthened by humility, and self-discipline, while further elevated by a commitment to compassion and caring- all enriched by a steady flow of love, joy, patience and kindness. In a world increasingly defined by divisiveness and hatred, society needs to deliver on these tangible virtues.