One of the very first posts I wrote (3/4/10**) was on Character… and it typically is implied in all my posts. Remember, we all are in a continuous process of developing our character. Yes, we slip, sin, err but we also discover, confirm and grow. Some of the thoughts from 2010 were:
**If there is one word that defines your ‘who’ it’s character. There are a number of attributes that describe/define character such as integrity, honesty, reliability, etc. However, in my world of definitions, bottom line, when everything is stripped away, you are your character. …
** I believe that it is best displayed and seen in crisis situations. So what does that look like for you? How does this define and describe you?
**My questions are: If you were to meet you, would you like you? Do you think you’d trust you? If you were in a place where you needed assistance, would you ask you for help? If you were going to celebrate something special or significant in your life, would you ask you to participate? The answers to those questions disclose your character. … It takes courage to face who you are – both the positive as well as the negative – not just one.
Your character can always be improved… if you are willing. But somehow, character is never stagnant. Every moment in your day you display who you are and what you think and believe and every moment is bombarded with new information that gives you options for change or confirmation.
“And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance;and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5, AMP)
In some translations, character is described as ‘virtue’. Webster has some very interesting definitions related to this word:
“a quality that gives something special worth;conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong; strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger…”
The (some) synonyms: grace, merit, value; character, decency, honesty, integrity; bravery, courageousness. As you can see, character/virtue is to be prized, is to be a standard by which we think and speak and act.
Do you think very often about your character? Can you describe, define yours? A different perspective is, if you were standing before the Lord, how would He describe you? (You do remember that that particular time will occur.)
“For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or [b]bad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives—the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities]. (2 Corinthians 5: 10, AMP)
We should never consider our character as unimportant. Who we are is displayed by our character and is visible to all.
**If you’ve never thought about yourself in terms of your character – you should. Your character will be evident to others – partially from your words but mostly from your behavior, it states very clearly who you are.Since character is visible through your actions, your words either confirm or deny what you do, who you are. People, however, are more prone to believe what they see, what they experience over just what you say.
**You always are in a position of consciously, or not, refining your character. Every experience impacts on who you are.
**Are you stuck with your character? Yes, unless you consciously decide to change it and are willing to honestly look at who you are, determine who you want to be, and work on making the changes necessary to become who you will be.
Your character is yours… all yours. You can do with it whatever you want
