Giving Up When It Gets Tough–Character

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NASB

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

Character is a very tall order. I have not accomplished this by any stretch, but I made a list for myself and refer to it when making decisions, arguing, rationalizing, or hanging on to resentments.

 Character is who you are when nobody is looking.

Character is not dependent on feelings.

Character keeps going even when not popular.

Character apologizes and makes amends.

Character knows when to seek help and humbly asks for it.

Character shows up even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Character is humble. If I think I have it, I don’t.

Character relates to others and does not manipulate.

Character keeps commitments.

Character teaches through actions.

Character gives without thought of thanks or repayment.

Character doesn’t control.

Character has a purpose that lives on when gone.

Character is a daily and worthy goal.

Character grows, no matter the circumstances.

Tall order, which only Jesus did. I bet you have thoughts about character, too, which I have not considered.  There is so much to learn about character in the Bible–good and bad.

Musings

If one is stuck on how to have character, I think Emily Dickinson had it when she wrote:

 “If I can stop one heart

From breaking,

I shall not live in vain;

If I can ease one life from aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin,

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.”  Character.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Godly character. What a worthy and lifetime goal. We may be elderly or very young. We may be disabled, widowed, sick, or isolated but character is still revealed. We may be successful, loved, and popular and character still peeks through.

Strengthen and encourage our character to come closer to Your Son’s.

With thanks,

Amen.