Some years ago, Lawrence W. Reed shared a story that underscored the importance of personal character.
He related how he had traveled to Cambodia with cash donations that he’d been asked to deliver to a number of needy families there. Reed was able to deliver the money to all but one family on his list.
With time running out, he approached a man in tattered clothes in the lobby of his hotel.
With only the name of the family and the city in which they lived, he asked the man if he would be willing to make the journey by train to deliver the $200 cash.
The man agreed and Reed told him to keep $50 for his troubles.
Weeks later, Reed was contacted by the family that had made the donation who reported that their loved ones had reached out and thanked them for the $200 they had sent.
At his own expense, the man in tattered clothes had faithfully delivered the entire amount, without taking a dime for himself. Whatever material wealth this man lacked, he was rich in personal character and willing to be honest in all circumstances.
As Reed puts it:
“Character means that there are no matters too small to handle the right way. It’s been said that your character is defined by what you do when no one is looking.”
If this story gives you hope, then you understand why qualities like honor, honesty and moral clarity have the power to change the world.
Rich In Personal Character