Character Still Counts: It Is Time to Restore Our Lasting Values

?I don?t know of a more important topic now than this, and I don?t know anyone more qualified to speak on it than James Merritt.? -Rick Warren, New York Times bestselling author, The Purpose Driven LifeYou Can Develop Attributes for Authentic Living How often are we more concerned with our outward image than with our inner qualities? Your reputation is what others think is true about you, but your character is who you are on the inside. And in the end, it?s your character that counts.   If you long to invest your life in what matters most-the content of your character-join bestselling author James Merritt as he looks at 12 traits that are an essential part of godly living. As you discover from role models in the Bible, good character is built brick by brick, thought by thought, action by action, and habit by habit on a daily basis. In this book you?ll find the keys to growing in?   integrity                     humility                       respect                        forgiveness                  perseverance              self-control                  honesty loyalty authenticity courage generosity faithfulness   Learn how to build up God?s kind of character qualities and live a life of authenticity. Let the past examples in Scripture inspire you today as you live out this truth: Character still counts, and it always will.     Review ?Not only does James Merritt offer fresh insights into what it means to be a person of character-and why it matters more today than ever-but he is a leader and visionary with exemplary character. The lessons you'll gain from these pages will challenge and change you in all the best ways. You can?t afford not to read this book.? -Margaret Feinberg, author of Taste and See?One of my consistent prayers is that my gifts would never take me further than my character can sustain me. I?m so grateful for a book that not only emphasizes the importance of character, but helps cultivate it. This book will inspire you, convict you, and challenge you toward the character of Christ, our highest calling.? -Mark Batterson, New York Times bestselling author of The Circle Maker and lead pastor of National Community Church?I don?t know of a more important topic now than this, and I don?t know anyone more qualified to speak on it than James Merritt.? -Rick Warren, New York Times bestselling author of The Purpose Driven Life?An important leadership book about leadership?s most important topic character. Merritt?s insights into the human spirit, the nature of leadership, and the mores contemporary society are always insightful, at times breathtaking. Not only does Merritt give us a clear picture of Christlike character, he shows where that character goes against the grain of society. This book glorifies Jesus and will strengthen you.? -J.D. Greear, PhD, pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, NC?This is a must-read book for all aspiring leaders, parents, and educators. It gets to the heart of the most fundamentally important aspects of life-that is, the cost of poorly made decisions. Dr. Merritt talks about those decisions, how to make them, and the price one pays when you get them wrong. This book is full of real-life examples of what happens when priorities are misplaced and reputations are ruined. More importantly, it paints a crystal-clear picture of how to prevent that from happening. Read it-it could change your life.? -Vice Admiral Wm. Dean Lee, USCG (ret)?Character Still Counts is a necessary chalice of cool water in the desert of our anything-goes era. Honest, compassionate, biblically astute and conversational, this book paints a redemptive picture of how the kingdom of God should work its way into our hearts and practices. There is always hope.? -Mary DeMuth, author of We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis About the Author James Merritt (PhD) is a pastor, author, past president of the Southern Baptist Convention, and