17Dec 07
Character is the Issue
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This is the title to a book written by Arkansas ex-governor Mike Huckabee, now running for the Republican presidential nomination. I think it’s awesome when a possible president has written a book. It’s a way to get behind his polished speeches and TV ads to learn more of the true person. It possibly will help to better understand what he thinks is important, and what guides his life. After reading ‘Character is the issue,’ I have to say I was deeply encouraged. Huckabee seems to present himself honestly and truthfully. His conclusions are not vague, soft, or wishy-washy. But, on the contrary, he clearly manifest where he’s coming from; that there are principles which guide his life, that there is a God in heaven who controls the universe, and that men and women need to have Character and integrity united with true love to their neighbor. He doesn’t water down his message but instead presents it in a clear and compelling way.
The subtitle to this book is, “How people with integrity can revolutionize America.” Huckabee confidently believes that this is possible. At the conclusion of his book he writes these words, “Billy Graham’s message was, âyou can touch the world. One person can make a difference. At the end of his message, the stadium lights went out. I was sitting at the other end of the stadium from Rev. Graham. Even at such a distance with that vast darkness all around, I could see when he lit his candle. One tiny match brought the whole stadium from darkness in to light. Everyone in the stadium had been given a candle. As the people up front lit the candles of eight people in the audience, the light spread exponentially. And I realized, more than anything, that the darker things are, the more difference even tiniest light will make. The darkness, no matter how great can never swallow even the smallest light. Your spiritual light, your light of integrity, character, and a God-centered worldview is just as invincible. We live in a dark spiritual age. All the more reason for you to hold your candle high and hold it out to others! The darker the world gets, the brighter your light will shine.”
Besides Character is the issue, Huckabee has also written:
Quite Digging Your Grave with a Knife and Fork
Kids Who Kill: Confronting Our Culture…
It’s important we understand our presidential candidates; our vote should be cast wisely not flippantly. I think, in addition to listening to speeches, debates, and watching polls we must read what these men have written in their past. This will then help us better know where they stand today.
That is wonderful, Matthew! I didn’t know Huckabee had written any books – nor that you had read any of them. I was greatly encouraged to hear your conclusions.
By the way, I think Mike would be too!
Thank you Matthew for taking the time to read the book and then posting your thoughts. I know it takes time for both, but certainly brings benefit to us who have yet to read it.
Huckabee has the right attitude. I can follow a man who wil stand unabashadly for the truth amidst grave opposition. Our world has indeed reached a dark moment, may many come to bear the Light of Christ!
Hey! This is great! So sorry I didnt comment on it sooner. Comprehensive book reports are so helpful; you don’t have to take all the time to read the book if you have a trusted source to report what it said. However, such a report usually motivates one to take the time to read it!Anway, I very much concure with your conclusion and have enjoyed following your political perspectives. Tonight we had some company over and what do you know, the conversation turned to Mike Huckabee. Recently, I have been impressed on how he does what he writes about; he hasn’t thrown any mud. It’s going to be an exciting election!
Thank you for this very insightful post, Matthew! What a motivation to be a light in this dark world — you in your small corner and I in mine!
Like Daniel, I hadn’t realized that Mike Huckabee was an author. I really appreciate the emphasis that he has on good character. Let’s continue to pray for him as he works to exalt righteousness in our godless generation.
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