"But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness [meekness, humility], self-control. Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]." -Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP)For some time now God has been dealing with me when it comes to my character. Character is the essential nature of who someone is. Your character is who you are, especially when you think no one is watching. As Christians our character should represent our God and our character should never be questioned. There should not be a leak, crack, nor tear in our character. Character is defined as: one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual. So in a few short words, you character should distinguish you as a Christian. Luke 8:17 AMP states; "For there is nothing hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come out into the open." So who you are behind closed doors, should be who you are in public. I had to learn Luke 8:17 the hard way *sighs*, however, I haven't turned back since. HALLELUJAH!
I recently learned that our character has to be developed. It is not something we were born with unlike our hair color or eye color. We were born with a sin nature (blame Adam). Psalm 51:5 (AMP) says; " I was brought forth in [a state of wickedness; In sin my mother conceived me [and from my beginning I, too, was sinful]." Until we become born again (saved) and become a new creature all we know is sin (read Romans chapter 7 and Romans 8:1-17 (NLT). Once we become saved we take on God's character, the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Which we find in Galatians 5:22-23. This passage of scripture is God's character and since we were created in the likeness and image of Him (Genesis 1:27 AMP) we have this character within us as well! Here is the list of characteristics that develop our character:
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Patience
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Meekness (gentleness)
- Temperance (self-control)
When I was younger I use to think that character and personality were the same thing. I was glad to find out they are not. Someone explained to me the difference and it made sense. Personality is who you become depending on the situation. Example: You meet someone for the first time and say, "she is a really nice person." Character is who you are in private. Example: Who are you at home by yourself? With your homegirls or boys? With your husband or wife? Around your children? What do you post on social media? Personality can change like the direction of the wind, character proves who you are especially under pressure. So don't get personality and character confused. One will get you a job and one will either keep you there or get you fired!
Thanks for reading :)
"If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of me."- Dwight L. Moody
"Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught."- J. C. Watts
"If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of me."- Dwight L. Moody
"Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught."- J. C. Watts
Very insightful and introspective. Excellent connection with spiritual truth.
ReplyDeleteYes! Great read! Continue in the work!
ReplyDeleteAmen, thank you for reading!
DeleteCharacter vs. Personality...thanks for the reminder
ReplyDelete