Last week, I wrote about a terrible situation in which a good friend of mine had tragically lost a loved one. In the midst of his intense pain I watched my friend navigate the pounding waves of grief and, at the same time, operate with a deep sense of God’s hand and presence in his life.
How was this possible?
What became so very clear to me was that he had being doing solid work in learning how to have Christ shape his character over time. He had intently and purposefully been dealing with character issues and opportunities to grow. Week in and week out, month after month, he continued to press in to do what was needed to grow as a man and as a leader.
What he didn’t know was how crucial this deep, personal character work would become as he was suddenly forced to lead himself and his family through a very, very dark journey.
We do not know what tomorrow has for each of us. Life has a way, at times, of throwing an unwelcome and intense “curve ball”. The foundation upon which we have built our lives is revealed in these moments.
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Matt 7:24-27
Here are a few quotes and verses regarding the crucial need for you and me to always be growing in character.
“Sow a thought and you reap and action; Sow an act and you reap a habit; Sow a habit and you reap a character; Sow a character and you reap a destiny.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving.” Dale Carnegie
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Helen Keller
“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
A Maverick Application:
As you look back over the last few weeks and months…
- What is God teaching you about you and your character?
- Where are you seeing growth?
- Where do you feel challenged?
- What are you asking God for as you seek Him to help you cultivate a richer, and deeper Christ-like character?
- Who will you share this with?
