Does character really matter? Part 2

Morning Y'all! I pray this post encourages you and gives God glory! Got suggested topics you want me to write about? Please comment below or email me at info@mocatoday.com.

In last week's post, "Does character really matter?", we unpacked Romans 5:3-4 and then reviewed three key points:

1. Suffering produces perseverance (or endurance, staying power, tenacity), perseverance produces character and character produces hope. Gotquestions.org describes, "A person’s character is the sum of his or her disposition, thoughts, intentions, desires, and actions." And contrary to how the world defines hope, the biblical definition of hope is the confident expectation, ABSOLUTE ASSURANCE, that what God has promised in His Word is true, has occurred, and/or will occur in accordance with God’s nature and sure Word.

2. Character, good or bad, determines our choices and our choices have eternal consequences. Hence, character is eternal, lasts forever.

3. Since character is eternal, God deems godly character development one of the biggest life purposes for a believer. Often in Christian circles, you'll see character development studied under the "becoming like Christ", pursuing discipleship (process of becoming like Christ) and sanctification umbrellas.

So if godly character development is about becoming more and more like Jesus Christ over time, how do we actually become like Him?

I'm glad you asked!

First, please recognize becoming Christlike is not about becoming a god yourself and no longer needing the one true God in your life. Instead, becoming Christlike is about becoming godly— taking on God's values, attitudes and character in EVERYTHING we do, say and think within our public and private lives. I like how Apostle Paul described,

"throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." - Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT)

Second, as Pastor Rick Warren describes in Purpose Driven Life, becoming Christlike doesn't mean we "lose our personality or become mindless clones. God created our uniqueness, so He certainly doesn't want to destroy it. Christlikeness is all about transforming our character, not our personality."

Third, please note we CANNOT become Christlike apart from God, or within our own works and strength. It's about depending on the Holy Spirit that indwells within to give us strength, teach us how to become godly, and develop Christlike character over time.

"And our faces are not covered. We all show the Lord’s glory, and we are being changed to be like Him. This change in us brings more and more glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ERV)

Now that we've cleared up common misunderstandings above, here's five things that contribute to developing godly, Christlike character:

1. Submission to God. Just like Jesus did, Christlike character growth begins when we submit our ENTIRE being (physical body, soul and spirit) to God. (James 4:7,10)

2. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. When we allow the Holy Spirit to indwell in us, He begins to transform us from the inside out. This transformation changes our way of thinking. And we already know our way of thinking influences our choices, and ultimately our choices are driven by our character. The Bible describes this process as a renewing of our minds. (Ephesians 4:23, Romans 12:2)

3. Replace worldly, sinful habits with godly, Christlike habits. A helpful article explains godly character growth develops when we "control our thoughts (Philippians 4:8), practice Christian virtues (2 Peter 1:5-6), guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 15:18-20), and keep good company (1 Corinthians 15:33). Men and women of character will set a good example for others to follow, and their godly reputation will be evident to all (Titus 2:7-8)."

4. God uses people and circumstances too. Throughout the Bible, there's several stories that illustrate how God used people and circumstances to teach, correct and develop Christlike character. In Purpose Driven Life, Warren writes, "Spiritual maturity is not a solitary, individual pursuit!" He goes on to explain, "God's Word provides the truth we need to grow, God's people provides the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment we need to practice Christlikeness."

5. Recognize suffering on this side of heaven is not in vain. God never wastes a hurt. And as believers, our struggles, trials and tribulations are used for our testimony, to strengthen our faith, confirm our hope in God and develop Christlike character. Extra bonus— For believers, we know ALL THINGS, good and bad, are used for our good. (Romans 8:28)

Given above, how is your journey to becoming more Christlike coming along? Are there areas in your life where you haven't totally surrendered to God? Can you identify worldly, sinful habits that you're still learning how to stop doing with the help of the Holy Spirit?

Please share in the comments section below.

Just a few reminders:

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Remember, it's all about progression, not perfection! God loves you! With Him, you got this!

Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!

-Natasha