STOP AND THINK – You can’t dream yourself into character; you must hammer & forge yourself one. (James Froude, English biographer, historian, and editor)
As much as we might like to think that by studying and trying mentally to develop good character, it just doesn’t happen that way. Like most qualities, it takes experience and trials to cultivate integrity. Character must be tried in adversity and hardship to demonstrate its reality. Such a quality is seen only when it is put to the test.
You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:3-4)