How You Represent & How You Want Others To See You

Pillars

Everyone needs to know to be good and to do good. Few will argue with the importance of teaching values and responsibility to our children, not only right from wrong, but specific, affirmative values. Consider the way Christ treated people during His ministry.

Some definitions of “character”;

1 – distinctive qualities: the set of qualities that make somebody or something distinctive, especially somebody’s qualities of mind and feeling

2 – reputation: somebody’s public reputation

3 – individual: somebody considered in terms of personality, behavior, or appearance

4 – summary of somebody’s abilities and personality as observed by other person who knows the person well

So, character is a collection of personality traits within our behavior that shows who we are. This is shown in our integrity, attitude, moral fiber, disposition, and this shapes how we treat one another, good or bad. We have a choice to act evil or good.

A person of Character is a good person, someone to look up to and admire. Knows the difference between right and wrong and tries to do what is right. Sets a good example for everyone. A person of Character makes the world a better place.

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1). Your reputation is stuck with you and everything related to you. The Bible tells you to seek a good reputation , “A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.” (Ecclesiastes 7:1) Godly exercise is the key to godly character. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:3-4)

I have written in my Bible “The Six Pillars Of Character” as I learned them in school.  I will list them here:

1 – Trustworthiness = Be honest; don’t deceive, cheat, or steal. Be reliable, do what you say you’ll do. Have the courage to do the right thing. Build a good reputation. Be loyal, stand by your family and friends.

2 – Respect = Treat others with respect. Follow the golden rule. Be tolerant of differences. Use good manners, not bad language. Be considerate of the feelings of others. Don’t threaten, hit, or hurt anyone. Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements.

3 – Responsibility = Do what you are supposed to do. Think about what effects your actions may have on others and accept the consequences of their choices. Work hard and do your best. Use self control.

4 – Fairness = Play by the rules. Take turns and share. Be open minded. Listen to others. Don’t take advantage of others. Don’t blame others carelessly.

5 – Caring = Be kind. Be compassionate and show you care. Express gratitude. Forgive others. Help people in need.

6 – Citizenship = Do your share to make your community better. Cooperate. Stay informed. Vote. Be a good neighbor. Obey laws and rules. Respect authority. Protect the environment.

Those are great character building rules handed down from generations. We have learned them and should be practicing them.

In 2 Peter 1:5-7 the apostle Peter had his own list of Christian qualities that he encourages believers to add to their life of faith. God has made provision and for which every Christian should strive. Christian character is formed by our commitment to Christ. I believe these are progressive. You begin with the first one and build on the next; brick by brick, layer upon layer. They are:

1 – Faith = We obtain a precious faith by the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:1) We believe in Jesus to receive eternal life, and we continue to believe in Jesus to receive the abundant life. Through faith in Christ, we are declared righteous, and through faith in Christ, we become practically righteous. It is this living by faith, day by day walking in the Spirit that is the first building block of the Christian life. (Matt. 8:5-13; Mark 11:22-24)

2 – Virtue = Fulfilling God’s design for a life with moral excellence or goodness. Changing our behavior to match that of Christ’s. Moral purity and uprightness of character through obedience to God. (1 Pet. 2:9)

3 – Knowledge = Acquired information. Studying God’s words to gain wisdom to combat falsehoods. A Christian needs to know all that God has revealed in His Word, not just the gospel. (Matt. 28:19-20)

4 – Self control =  Taking a grip of oneself. Having mastery of self, disciplined moderation, and controlling one’s desires and passions. (Prov. 16:32; 25:28; Acts 24:25; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Gal. 5:23; Phil. 3:12-16; 1 Tim. 4:7-8; James 4:17)

5 – Perseverance = Having a hopeful attitude even in difficult times because we are confident in God’s character. It is the need to “keep on keeping on” in spite of adversity. It is patient endurance in holiness when we encounter temptation to give in or to give up. ( Rom. 5:3-4; 15:4-5; 2 Cor. 1:6; 6:4; Col. 1:11; 1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:4; James 1:3)

6 – Godliness = Honoring the Lord in every relationship in life. Refers to behavior that reflects the character of God. (Titus 3:11-14) It presupposes a desire to please God in all the relationships of life.

7 – Brotherly Love = Displaying a warm hearted affection for fellow believers. It is thoughtful consideration of fellow believers. (1 Pet. 1:22; 3:8; Rom. 12:10; 1 Cor. 12:25-26; 1 Thess. 4:9; Heb. 13:1)

8 – Love = Sacrificing for the good of others is the highest form of love, God’s kind, that seeks the welfare of the person loved above its own welfare. (John 3:16; 13:35; Gal. 5:22; 1 Pet. 4:8) It reaches out to all people, not just fellow believers.

Character is who we are and it can be learned and built when we are in Christ. Christian character is formed by our commitment to Christ. All it takes is to be in love with Christ. Seek His presence, grow in your discipleship and be persistent in your prayers. “ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:7-9) Character grows like an oak. It takes a long time to develop a great character but with commitment and effort you can achieve anything.

When someone speaks about you, what qualities do you want to hear from their lips? Trustworthy, helpful, thrifty, kind, loyal, , courteous, obedient, clean, cheerful, brave, friendly, reverent are some great words to live by. The face is a mirror of the heart. Do people see Jesus in yours? As a Christian we need to act as we teach and do as we say. “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.” (Psalm 119:1) What we say and how we act compose the things we bring with us into eternity that will echo and resound. Let our character be worthy of His praise.

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character , hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

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