"But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him."   1 Corinthians 8:6

 

    The building of character is one of the most important aspects to Christian living. It matters very little the gain men toil to obtain in this world.  Their real success is measured by how well they give their heart and soul to live as Christ lived, in purpose and in character.  Character is what makes us who we are.  It is the one thing within us that determines our truest witness.  When our character is faulty, then our creditability becomes unreliable. When we work to make it sound then it gives rise to trustworthiness and honor.  Our person will never become the standard to help build a resolve of purpose in others if our character in unsupported with integrity and venerability.

    The destiny of every believer is to find and fulfill the true pattern to what it means to follow Christ.  Nothing can be discovered, whether it is the prominent elements or the minute features to true discipleship until there is first, the building of character.   Just as it is in every aspect of holy living, we build from within.  Nothing can ever change a man's character until God first changes the nature of his heart.  That is why Solomon said, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it flow the issues of life" (Pro. 4:23).  One translation says, "...for out of it (the heart) are the wellsprings of life."  It is the heart that holds the fountain to life in its purest form.  It is there where all virtue finds its origin.  Jesus taught us in the parable of the Sower, that only the good ground (a good heart) can produce fruit.  All other ground falls short of any gain at all! (Mark 4:14-20).

    There are three essential "character" istics that we must hold to if we desire to build a life that is worthy of our calling. They are: goodness, righteousness, and truth.  Paul points this out in his letter to the church of Ephesus: "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth" (Eph 5:9).  Everything produced by the Holy Spirit working in us flow out of these three virtues.  They are the immutable principles to building the right foundation for character.  Whatever life challenges we face, if we maintain the purity and love of goodness, righteousness, and truth, then what is in us will always overcome what is coming against us.

     This is why building character is our greatest challenge yet, our most rewarding endeavor!  No one can wish their way into building a life of character.  It is something that is forged through purpose of heart and timeless effort.  Just as any builder builds a house brick upon brick, stone upon stone, so it is with character. Something deep within us must strive to live right, do right, act right, think right, and aim at what is right before "the eyes of him with whom we have to do" (Heb. 4:13).  We must give willingly, honestly, justly, humbly, and respectfully our lives, our time, our talents, and our seed in whatever forms it represents.  And we must do as Solomon said, "Buy the truth and sell it not" (Pro. 23:23).   That means we must be true to ourselves, true to God, true to our family and friends, and true to others at whatever cost, without compromise.  Goodness, righteousness, and truth must be the mainstay of our lives.  They must become the hope in building a strong and stable life of character. Anything short of these will certainly seek to tarnish our effort in emulating the life of Christ.

    If you have somehow let your character be soiled by hurt, or blemish, or failure, then know it doesn't mean you are broken forever.  You can take the ruins, and through God's grace, rebuild the fragments of pain and regret into a noble edifice of goodness, righteousness, and truth.  Remember, the one enduring consolation we possess in Christ is that regardless of our weaknesses and inabilities, we have his forgiveness.  We can start over, regardless of the past, because living for Jesus is a moment to moment, day by day, "looking forward not behind" opportunity that holds the hope and promise of better days ahead. We have but one choice to make: Resolve within our heart today that as we move forward we will put building character first before everything else!*

 

 

 

     I purpose in my heart to live exemplary.  I will do whatever I have to so that I am conformed into the image of Christ in heart, in soul, in mind, and in strength.  May all that I am and ever hope to be, find its purpose in purity, integrity, and venerability.

 

     Every day presents new challenges in our walk with God.  None of us know what tomorrow will bring.  But there is one thing we can bank on, and that is if we build character to where we have God's heart, his mind, his soul, and his will to judge our thoughts, intents, and decisions, then we will overcome every obstacle that tries to stand in our way.

     Character building must become our way of life.  We can never overlook it, dismiss it, or disregard it.  The moment we do, we limit our usefulness for Christ.  If we desire to become "meet for the Master's use" then we must become character minded. This means we keep our eyes focused on approaching life as Christ did...totally surrendered, totally committed, and passionate about doing the Father's will! 

 

 

Pastor David

 

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