Friday, November 04, 2016

 

The life goal of most people is to become somebody, to hold a title or position, and to have prosperity. Others want to be rich while others just want to have enough. Having said this, for the most part, people are concerned with being someone and having something. However, God is much more interested in our character and who we are becoming.

 

Character is something we want other people to have but we seldom prioritize building character in our own lives. We want and value character more in our spouse, children, boss, doctor, and leaders than we do in our own lives. It is ironic, but the lack of character in others is more bothersome to us than the lack of character in our lives. Even more ironic is that we can easily spot the lack of character in others but it goes unnoticed in our own lives. This manner of thinking and behaving has created a lack of character in every area of our society including our churches and for this, we are paying a hefty price.

 

From the Biblical point of view, character is the resolve to do what God determines to be right no matter the price. The fact that we do not get to determine right from wrong is what makes character building so difficult. Therefore, the person that commits to character building does so because they are committed to doing what is right despite the price they have to pay. They do so not because of the benefits but because God says it is right. The person who is committed to character building does what is right when it benefits them and when it costs them because they prioritize who they are becoming over achievements and prosperity.

 

Ephesians 4:24-32 NTV 

Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

 

 

To build character we must come to the place where we are willing to say, I want to do what is right regardless of the cost because from God’s perspective, the price you will have to pay to obtain character is more than worth it.