Dualism Like Islam
One problem with the Character First method is that it is similar to Islam in the use of dualism. In establishing a law or criteria for judgment it is a dualistic approach, they set it up so that all things can be argued at least 2 ways, sometimes more than two.
An example would be that two traits that are opposites could be used in each situation. In Islam it might be patients with infidels vs destruction of infidels. No matter what choice a leader made he would fall within their laws guidelines. In the case or character first and other proposed guidelines it may be less apparent but dualism is there nonetheless.
Determination
Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right
time, regardless of the opposition
Patience
Accepting a difficult situation without giving a
deadline to remove it
Notice that one trait has a time frame and the other does not, so in any situation an employee could be judged for not completing something in a timely manner while another employee could be applauded for being patient. In essence it gives managers a lot of wiggle room in hiring, firing, and promoting with moving targets.
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Also, each trait is from a biblical principle but does not have biblical context added. They also leave a lot of other traits and possibilities out of the equation. These are traits that are good for business and managers, but leave out those that are negative but biblical.
These traits when used for business would condemn Jesus himself.
Example:
If an employee was not enthusiastic about doing something that was a punishment, or demeaning, when it wasn't necessary or even helpful,
The employee could be judged in a negative way as if they lacked the character trait of
Enthusiasm - doing things cheerfully.
Joyfulness - maintain a good attitude even when faced with difficult situations.
Sincerity - Eagerly doing what is right with transparent
Christ when praying in the garden of Gethsemane that he might skip the cross,
Luk 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Asking to skip what is unpleasant, degrading, or something so boring you just hate doing it etc can be seen as poor character, when it isn't. If an employee said I don't really want to do that could be used as grounds for dismissal based upon the three character traits above, when it could be real honesty.
This is actually Pharisees part II, where you can be judged on moral extremes without context,
Jesus wasn't enthusiastic or sincere based upon their definitions.
Obedience
Quickly and cheerfully carrying out the direction
of those who are responsible for me
Jesus wasn't cheerful while sweating in his prayer.
(This is just a law saying do what you are told with a smile on your face)
I would even be called anti-character by expressing these ideas, but I think I am meeting them very well.
Alertness
Being aware of what is taking place around me so
I can have the right response
I believe I am alert to the things around me, and giving an appropriate response.
Also I am meeting the guidelines of character first by building my life on things that will last.
Security
Structuring my life around that which cannot be
destroyed or taken away
Since I believe faith only theology will be destroyed by Christ, I should avoid it.
Mat 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
Mat 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.