GODLY CHARACTER IS IMPORTANT IN LIVING CHRIST-LIKE LIFE

Martin Luther King, Jr. said he looked forward to the day when all Americans would be judged solely “by the content of their character; When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.- Billy Graham; Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test.- Rick Warren; Great character, like massive roots, grow deep when water is sparse and winds are strong.- Charles Swindoll; The true expression of Christian character is not in good-doing but in God-likeness. – Oswald Chambers.

“Character is your moral compass that guides choices and actions. It includes traits like honesty, integrity, compassion, discipline, and resilience. Building character takes daily effort through self-reflection, smart risk-taking, seeking feedback, setting goals, and facing challenges head-on. Strong character positively impacts leadership by inspiring trust, loyalty, and ethical behavior in teams. Good character shows in everyday interactions and strengthens relationships. Small acts of kindness and integrity have a ripple effect.”

What does character mean? (Daisie Team on Understanding Character: Guide to Definition & Importance): When we talk about the definition of character, we’re referring to the set of mental and moral qualities that make an individual unique. It’s like a secret recipe that adds flavor to your personality, and it’s made up of several key ingredients: *Core values: These are the principles you live by. They shape your decisions and actions. For example, if honesty is part of your character, you’ll always strive to speak the truth. *Moral attributes: These are traits like integrity, kindness, and empathy. They reflect your sense of right and wrong. *Personal traits: These can include things like resilience, patience, and determination. They show how you respond to challenges and difficulties. Remember, your character is not just about your qualities; it’s about how you use them to navigate life. It’s the lens through which you view the world and the compass that guides your journey. It’s the unique stamp that sets you apart from others, the essence of your individuality. The definition of character also extends into the world of literature and film. Here, a character refers to a person in a novel, play, or movie. But just like in the real world, these characters have their own distinct qualities that make them unique and memorable. From Harry Potter’s courage to Sherlock Holmes’ intellect, each character’s traits contribute to their journey and the story’s overall plot.

Oliver on How to Become a Person of Character: Traits and Qualities to Cultivate describes, “Have you wonder or ever felt lost in a world that seems to value appearance over substance? We value the exterior and ignore the inner being. You’re not alone. Studies show that 73% of people believe moral character is declining in society. But here’s the good news: becoming a person of character isn’t rocket science. Character is the core of who you are. It’s your true self when no one’s looking. Character is what you are in the dark.” D.L. Moody. Think of it as your moral compass – the inner voice that guides your choices. Good character means being honest, brave, and kind. It’s about doing the right thing, even when it’s tough. Your character shapes how you treat others and face life’s ups and downs. It’s not just about being nice; it’s about having strong values and sticking to them. Building good character takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Pondering on why character matters so much in life and work. Character is who or what you are even when nobody is watching. Significance in Life and Work: Character matters. It shapes our lives and careers in big ways. Good character helps us make smart choices and bounce back from tough times. It’s like a compass that guides us through life’s ups and downs. In work, strong character traits can open doors and build trust. They help us adapt to new jobs and changes. Studies show that people with solid character strengths do better in their careers. This is especially true for college students from poor backgrounds. Being a man of the world isn’t just about travel – it’s about having the character to handle any situation with grace. Character isn’t just for show. It’s the backbone of how we treat others and ourselves. At work, it affects how we lead, solve problems, and work in teams. People with good character often find more meaning in their jobs. They’re better at setting goals and sticking to them. This leads to more success and happiness in both life and work. So, building character isn’t just nice – it’s key to thriving in today’s world.

Topical Encyclopedia on Christian Character defines, “Christian character refers to the qualities and virtues that are cultivated in a believer’s life because of the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. It is the manifestation of Christ-like attributes that reflect the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. The development of Christian character is a lifelong process that involves growth in holiness, love, and obedience to God’s Word. The foundation of Christian character is rooted in the Scriptures, which provide guidance and instruction for living a life that is pleasing to God. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of character in his letters, urging believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). This call to live a life worthy of the gospel is echoed throughout the New Testament. Ligonier.org on Christian Character, “ Christian character in the life of a believer is an essential aspect of Christian living and ministry. Christ has redeemed His people in order to conform them to His image. The end goal of the work of redemption is the glory of God. By conforming His people to the image of Christ, God displays His glory in the church. According to Scripture, Christian character includes the pursuit of truth, godliness, righteousness, love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, patience, perseverance, meekness, humility, self-control, compassion, thankfulness, forgiveness, contentment, and unity. God produces Christian character in the lives of believers by faith in Christ, in the power of the Spirit, by the Word of God and the sacraments. Suffering is also an essential part of the process toward the formation of Christian character.

bibledictionarytoday.com on What Does “Character” Mean in the Bible? The word “character” holds significant weight in biblical teachings, embodying the essence of who a person is at their core. In Scripture, character is often associated with moral integrity, virtue, and the qualities that reflect one’s relationship with God. It highlights the importance of living a life that aligns with biblical principles, demonstrating how one’s actions and decisions reflect their inner self. Through various narratives and teachings, the Bible encourages believers to cultivate a character that mirrors Christ, emphasizing that true character is not merely about reputation but about the authenticity of one’s faith and actions. The Meaning of Character in the Bible: The biblical meaning of character transcends mere personality traits; it encompasses the moral and ethical qualities that define an individual. In Proverbs 10:9, we read, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” This verse highlights the vital connection between character and integrity, suggesting that a person’s character is foundational to how they navigate life. In essence, character is a reflection of one’s commitment to truth and righteousness, serving as a guiding light in a world often shrouded in ambiguity. Furthermore, the Bible often contrasts good character with negative traits, urging believers to embody virtues such as love, patience, and humility. Galatians 5:22-23 outlines the fruit of the Spirit, which includes qualities like kindness and self-control, further emphasizing that character is not just an internal trait but is demonstrated through our actions and interactions with others.

Christian Character Defined: Character is often defined as a collection of personality traits within our behavior that shows who we are. This is shown in our integrity, attitude, moral fiber, disposition, and this shapes how we treat one another, good or bad. This is mostly true, but it goes much deeper than that. Character is who we are, and it can be learned and built when we are in Christ. Moreover, real authentic Christian Character is not just a personality or our disposition; it is a description of who we are as a Christian, what we are called to be in our entirety. It encapsulates the Fruit of the Spirit from God’s love and work in us. A good effectual foundation of character is “synergistic” as each one hangs and functions with each other. It is built upon the Fruit of the Spirit which all the other character traits are codependent and thus function and rest upon. Our Character summarizes the essence of our walk with Christ being exhibited back to Him and then onto others. Our Character can grow or shrivel as our growth and faith formation in Christ is applied or blocked. Thus, Character is the display case of Christ and shows others our entire lives as Christians. We all could be good or be bad, to take what Christ has given us and use it, or ignore or even perverse it. This not just about our reputation and ambassadorship in Christ (2 Cor. 5:20); it is how we must be if Christ has a hold on us! It is best assessed when we seek within us what is being exhibited from us, then go before God and His Word to be better (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22).

Dr. Richard J. Krejcir on What is Christian Character? illuminates, “Do you really know what Christian Character is all about? Do you want to know? Real, authentic Christian character is formed by our commitment to Christ. When we surrender to Christ and allow His piercing work to grow and enrich us, so that the Spirit flows. Our spiritual discipline, motives, obedience, and persevering faith will be the keys! All it takes is to be in love with Christ. Seek His presence, grow in your discipleship and be persistent in your prayers and in so doing you will be building your Character too. When we say we follow Christ, do our actions show that we do; are we in fact being Christ-like? Or is something else happening in our life and relationships? Perhaps, what we think we are like is not how we come across. Maybe, other Christians see us as being reprehensible before our Lord and to others around us! Or worse we are producing the “works of the flesh” to all those around us, family, friends, Christians and non-Christians alike (Gal. 5). Being pretenders of the faith, giving a show, but having no real substance behind us is extremely destructive to the Body of Christ and the reputation of our Lord! It is imperative that when we say we are a follower of Christ, our character and behaviors reflect Him and His call to us to the best of our abilities which includes our temperament. If we are in leadership, this is even more imperative! We demonstrate Character and integrity when we do what we say and act out what we believe; if not, we are hypocrites, and woe to us for being one (Matt. 23)! Our call is to do as we teach, to do as we say, and to act as we teach others to act. Integrity is of the utmost importance for the Christian leader (1 Thess. 2: 10-12; 2 Peter 1-11)! Why? Because hypocrisy gives people a false impression of God! Insincerity gives people a false impression of who we are called to be; it nullifies integrity and character! Because, God is holy, righteous and just; God exercises grace. We do not what to be like the Pharisees, who were worshipping, not the God of the Jews and the Law, but a made-up god which suited their own thoughts and pride (Psalm 103:1-14; 1 Pet. 5:10)! The willingness to model Christ’s character is far more vital for us today than the willingness to preach it. God want us to be authentic-not pretentious (2 Cor. 8:9)!

In conclusion, Spiritual Relevance of Character Today: In our modern context, the spiritual relevance of character remains profound. As believers, understanding the biblical meaning of character encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the qualities we exhibit. In a world that often prioritizes success and material gain, Scripture calls us to focus on cultivating a character that honors God and serves others. Character development is an ongoing journey, one that requires intentionality and a commitment to spiritual growth. Ephesians 4:1-2 urges us to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received,” highlighting the importance of embodying humility, gentleness, and patience. By aligning our character with biblical teachings, we can inspire those around us and serve as examples of Christ-like living. Understanding the biblical meaning of character enriches our spiritual lives and deepens our connection to God. It invites us to examine our motivations and actions, encouraging us to cultivate qualities that reflect our faith. As we strive to embody Christ-like character, we foster relationships built on trust and integrity, making a positive impact in our communities. Ultimately, character is more than just a personal trait; it is a testament to our relationship with God and our commitment to living out His principles. By nurturing our character, we align ourselves with God’s purpose and become vessels through which His love and goodness can flow into the world. The Word of God is our authority! Remember, our spiritual discipline, motives, obedience, and persevering faith will be the keys! All it takes is to be in love with Christ. Seek His presence and be persistent in your prayers.

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” John 4:7-8; “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8; “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3; “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, You are a God who is holy and righteous and good; and Your desire is that we become holy and good like You. (1 Peter 1:16) Help us to remember that holiness means both to be morally pure like You, as well as to be called out or separate from others. May our lives reflect a character that is separate from this world as we seek to be a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a people belonging to You. (1 Peter 2:9). Help us to make every effort to grow in our character as we add to our faith, goodness, and knowledge, and self-control, and perseverance, and godliness, and brotherly kindness and love. For as we possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8, amen.