CHARACTER

What builds character? Do we have any control over our character or are we “just the way we are?” Can we help others to develop character?

I believe that we can help each other build character and can instill in the young what good character means. It is not an overnight experience and is not without difficulty. However, in the end, it produces quality fruit for the Lord Jesus Christ.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; ⁴and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; ⁵and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3 - 5 (NASB)

Young people (actually, everyone) today is faced with the world’s view of success, that being you must make more money, so you can buy more stuff. The one with the most stuff wins. Perhaps a little over simplified but I think you get my drift. The Bible cautions us specifically about that aspect of character.

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5 (NASB)

Below are 17 different aspects of character (not an exhaustive list). As you go throughout the coming week, consider how you might encourage a young person to desire one or more of these character traits. For example, how would you go about trying to show someone that being humble was the right way to be?

1. Blameless and harmless…Phil 2:15
2. Contrite…Isa 57:15; Isa 66:2
3. Faithful…Rev 17:14
4. Godly…Psa 4:3; 2 Pet 2:9
5. Guileless…John 1:47
6. Humble…Psa 34:2; 1 Pet 5:5
7. Just…Gen 6:9; Hab 2:4; Luke 2:25
8. Loving…Col 1:4; 1 Thess 4:9
9. Meek…Isa 29:19; Matt 5:5
10. Merciful…Psa 37:26; Matt 5:7
11. Obedient…Rom 16:19; 1 Pet 1:14
12. Pure in heart…Matt 5:8; 1 John 3:3
13. Righteous…Isa 60:21; Luke 1:6
14. Sincere…2 Cor 1:12; 2 Cor 2:17
15. Steadfast…Acts 2:42; Col 2:5
16. True…2 Cor 6:8
17. Upright…1 Kin 3:6; Psa 15:2

Those of us who have accepted Christ as Savior know that without Him this is more than an impossible task. However, sometimes we have to see how impossible something is before we can say, “Lord, I can only do this with you help. Please come into my life and help me be the person you want me to be.”

And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on the character of Christ, like putting on new clothes. Galatians 3:27 (NLT)

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD