Gleanings — 6

On Christian Character

 . . . we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

 Compromise compromises character and holiness.

I’ve read that God is more interested in who we are than in what we do, but who we are inevitably comes out in what we do and faith without character and works is dead.

Character and works are entwined. Our works, like choosing to be kind not cruel, giving not greedy, self-controlled not lustful or forgiving not resentful or vengeful will express our character.

Choice by choice, character is developed alone.

Character is revealed in crises.

Judge your faith and character now to avoid God’s judgment later.

Here’s a list of questions about character. Some make my heart squirm.

Who am I when I get alone with God for a long time? Do I ever get alone with Him?

Who am I, how do I act, when I am in pain?

What is my reaction to petty frustrations like misplaced car keys, getting cut off in traffic or being tailed too closely when I’m a mile or two above the speed limit?

How do I respond to misunderstanding and betrayal?

—to natural disaster?

—to the untimely loss of a loved one?

—to people much richer or much poorer than I am?

—to those of different faiths or different political parties?

—to success, elevation, and those who would put me on a pedestal?

—to gossip or lies about me or others?

—to being ignored and devalued?

—to being overcharged and getting shoddy goods or services?

—to takers who never give in return?

—to rudeness and vulgarity?

—to tedium?

—to unmet needs, longings and unfulfilled desires? —to broken promises?

—to injustice? —to my neighbor’s need?

Yes, my heart squirms at more than one question on this list. When I’m done writing this, I’ll print it up and talk to God about at least one that sets off tell tale pings in my heart.

Like most who read this, I know Godly answers, I know they would suggest patience, courage, trust, humility, understanding, forgiveness, detachment, speaking truth, prayer, longsuffering and patience, generosity and direct action to correct wrongs.

It’s comforting that God knows our weaknesses; He sees every motive hidden in our hearts. With careful love, He allows pressures that reveal them—both to our selves and to others.

When He opens our eyes to see ourselves in His light, His Spirit comes alongside to help us to deal NOW with anything we’re hiding in shame or fear. His word teaches us to trust in His grace, knowing that we can’t change our selves, but we can confess, ask God and others to forgive us and trust the Holy Spirit to help us grow into mature love.

God’s law of love is not fulfilled BY us, but IN us as we walk according to the Holy Spirit.

 

Note: If you are interested in a list of traits of Christian character, check out the PDF linked here.