Character: Ways to build our Christian Character

I would like to do a series of blog posts based on Proverbs 31 and the categories I have assigned to the passage of scripture. Of course, it is entirely possible to live the Proverbs 31 lifestyle without great financial resources or the blessing of a Godly husband. I will rotate these blog posts on a regular basis so that I fill my blog with good and wholesome information. I recognize that I haven’t been posting lately and I feel sad about that because there is such good information out there that I really feel I must share.

The first post will be about Character.

Character
-Does him good and not evil all the days of her life
-strength and honour are her clothing
-opens her mouth with wisdom
-in her mouth is the law of kindness
-her children and husband rise up and call her blessed
-her own works praise her in the gates.
-she feareth the LORD

As many are aware, it is not possible to hold a good job without good character. What person wants to work with a person who constantly swears and uses foul language?? No one! Godly and ungodly people do not like bad character. Without good Character, it is hard for a person to believe one is a Christian.

First I would like to give an example of bad Character: Yesterday, my husband and I went to a local Pizza restaurant that we like. At the restaurant, we noticed that there was a family nearby that was publically intoxicated ;( It grieved my heart to see children among them. The character that the woman displayed was definitely out of character. She was apt to display herself and rather immaturely paraded herself as if all in the restaurant were amazed by her presence. Sadly, within time I noticed that she was sharing an argument with a male companion. In specific it happened to be about problems in her living arrangements. All in all, the poor character that the woman displayed, was definitely destructive, not only to herself but to others around her. I will be praying for that woman and the poor imprint she has been leaving on the others surrounding her friendship.

An example of good Character is something we all need to improve upon and work on a daily basis because we constantly have to battle our fleshly nature. (That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (1Pe 4:2)) Occasionally, I notice that I myself get “out of character” when working with my husband. My patience dwindles and my flesh starts to take control. When times like that approach it is apparent that I have not armed myself properly for the spiritual battle at hand. I may dress modestly for the day and have my head covered for the day, but lack of patience ruins the witness that godly clothing displays. In times like that it is almost better to wear worldly clothing and have a smile on one’s face than to give over to the fleshly side of man.

How are we to battle and overcome the vile nature of the flesh??

Number one…..get saved. Without salvation and being born again, we have nothing. We are dead. (period)

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

(Joh 3:5-6)

Number two: Meditate on scripture. Pick a bible verse or two for the day and repeat it over and over when battles of the mind come before you.

My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

(Psa 119:48)

Read and Meditate on the entirety of Psalm 119

Number three: Study scripture. Knowing what the bible says and how it relates to man is of great importance when facing every day battle. A great resource for understanding and learning the bible can be found at biblos.com. If you are new to the bible and do not have the greatest reading skills, listening to commentary is a great way to gain better understanding of the bible.

And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. (Ecc 12:12)

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

(2Ti 2:15)

Number four: Forgive. When we are hurt by other people for whatever reason. We need to learn how to let “the past go” We even need to forgive when other Christians just don’t seem to see scripture the same way you see it. I know it is frustrating to interact with a Christian woman who doesn’t dress modestly and works 40 hours a week outside the home. In cases like that, one must remember we are ALL a work in progress in God’s eyes.

Mat 5:22-24 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Number five: Practice random acts of kindness. Send a get-well card or sympathy card. Send birthday greetings. Visit shut-ins at the local nursing home or disabilities home. Send a thinking-of-you card to a single person. Make a gift basket for a single woman that is expecting. The list of kindness could go on.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Rom 12:19-21)

Have a blessed Sunday ;)