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Character

Posted by smontano on Jun 21, 2010 in Blog | 0 comments

To Be Updated

“A King may move a man, a father may claim a son, but remember that even when those who move you be kings, or men of power, your soul is in your keeping alone. When you stand before God, you cannot say, “But I was told by others to do thus.” Or that, “Virtue was not convenient at the time.” This will not suffice. Remember that.” – King Baldwin IV

In the movie Kingdom of Heaven, the main character, Balian, finds himself put in a position of authority and power and eventually he is sitting before the king of Jerusalem, King Baldwin IV.  This king is still young but wise beyond his years and also afflicted with leprosy.  It’s then that Balian receives a defining step in forging an unshakable character as the foundation of his identity.

What does it mean to you to have character? God sees unshakable character as a very important trait. “Speak the truth, even if it leads to your death.” Those are powerful words that knights live by. Words you must heed if you are to have a transformed life and reach your highest destiny.

Identity

Posted by smontano on Apr 24, 2010 in Blog, Featured | 0 comments

If you haven’t yet seen the movie, “Kingdom of Heaven”, it’s a must see. One of the most impressive aspects is how the main character, Balian, started off not knowing his true identity and worked as a humble blacksmith. He didn’t know that he was actually the son of a baron knight and that he had a tremendous inheritance awaiting him. Eventually Balian meets his father, and this begins a time of turmoil within Balian as he beings to realize who he actually is. His father, Godfrey, about to die from battle wounds, passes on the family title by knighting his son Balian. In doing so his father passes on a powerful message of identity and duty.

“Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath.” – Godfrey

Later in the story, Balian journeys to Jerusalem. While there he discovers his inheritance in the form of land, troops and military leadership. He is also thrust into a position of leadership in the midst of battle. With his troops diminished, they look to him for direction. After having galvanized his true identity for himself, it is then that he bestows a milestone moment to his men and through this, establishes a new identity for each of them.

Personal Challenge

Did you know that you are a son or daughter of the most high God?  That’s right, the King of kings and the Lord of lords.  Because of this, you are indeed part of a royal and heavenly blood line.  How much differently would a prince or princess behave and conduct themselves from perhaps a pauper?  They would treat people with honor, walk with strong character and carry themselves with humble boldness.  That is the difference this perspective of your identity can have in your life from this day forward.  Did you know that because of this you also have a heavenly inheritance?  A prince or princess knows that their father the king has an inheritance for them.

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…”
Proverbs 13:22

Follow Up Questions

• What is your identity?
• What is the inheritance you have and what inheritance will you leave for your children’s children?

Purpose

Posted by smontano on Mar 13, 2010 in Blog, Featured | 0 comments

To be updated.

“Every man dies. Not every man really lives.” – William Wallace

“There’s a difference between us. You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I think your position exists to provide those people with freedom. And I go to make sure that they have it.” – William Wallace speaking to Robert the Bruce

Destiny

Posted by smontano on Feb 11, 2010 in Blog, Featured | 1 comment

To be updated.

“Three weeks from now I will be harvesting my crops. Imagine where you will be, and it will be so. Hold the line. Stay with me. If you find yourself alone, riding in green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled; for you are in Elysium, and you’re already dead! [The soldiers laugh] Brothers, what we do in life, echoes in eternity.” – Maximus Decimus Meridius

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
Theodore Roosevelt – Man in the Arena” Speech given April 23, 1910