We grow as we develop Godly character

The Word of God is our standard in which to live and grow up into. Biblical standards grow out of love (grace), discipline (truth), principles (fundamental law), and character (integrity).  A person’s character is in essence, the features, qualities and traits of one’s nature. There is worldly character and there is Godly character. Godly character is a reflection of God’s own nature. The purpose of character training is that we be transformed to the image of Christ and be His image bearers. Jesus reflects the Father’s image: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

Everyone has three images. The first is the projected image: the way you want others to see you. Second is the perceived image: how other people see you. The third image is your actual image: who you really are. Your character reveals who you really are and your innermost being; all of your thoughts, words, actions, motives, intents, and purposes. Worldly character is prideful with selfish ambition, full of fraud and deceit, boastful and envious.

Bad company corrupts good character. When God’s Word is rejected, and His principles violated, we are left with our own human reasoning and there is no sin that cannot be rationalized away. The Bible tells us what to expect: “In the last times there will be scoffers who follow their own ungodly desires. These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit” (Jude 1:18-19). The Bible gives this warning to those who refuse to follow His Word: “Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7).

Grace and truth is the foundation for our growth and development. Grace is the reason for our existence and purpose: loving relationship with God and other people, and taking on His character. Love motivates to do things because we want to, not because we ought to. We are to build our lives on Jesus. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted (foundation) and built up in Him (character), strengthened in faith, as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7).

Godly character is the result of the strength of integrity in you. Reputation is what other people know about you. Honor is what you know about yourself. How we live every moment of every day shapes our character and our character determines our future, destiny, and legacy. “Be very careful then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).

The Lord’s will for us is that we follow His ways and pursue Him. As we follow, He reveals His plan for us. Along our journey we experience hardships and setbacks. Our experiences in life become our lessons in life. Our setbacks prepare us for a comeback. Our struggles, difficulties, and other challenges are designed by God to lead us towards excellence (virtue) and to develop Godly character. The Bible teaches us to live righteously: “Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Galatians 5:16).

Suffering is a part of life: it is non-optional. Great adversity brings us a great advantage. We can learn to understand God’s purpose for suffering: God gets our attention. Suffering conquers our pride and keeps us humble. Suffering is God’s call for self-examination and to reevaluate our priorities. Suffering is a reminder of our weakness and our dependence on Him. 


Suffering is a way for God to purify our faith, make us accountable and test our work. God uses our experiences (past) and circumstances (present) to produce character (future). "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4). Every problem and difficulty area of our lives is the environment that God uses for us to excel and to teach how to respond to life’s difficulties.