Character in a person is the structure of who they are, the instrument that guides their physical and spiritual life for better or worse. If we know the most crucial thing in our personality is to develop character once a good attitude is in place, we will devote time and energy to it before we seek anything else. We will pursue it with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Matthew 22:36-40). If we genuinely believe that is where true life is formed, we will do everything to ensure it’s in tune with the excellence of life to succeed in life’s demands.
The first order of business is to tend to our perspective or outlook in life. Developing character counts; however, any character influence won’t do if we expect to be happy, successful, and fulfilled in the long run. To have a character that counts, you must first have a “very good ” attitude about life and its direction (Genesis 1:31). Unfortunately, most people have a terrible picture of life where an excellent character is never realized. This is where Christian Character Counts and begins. Jesus, the originator of the Christian faith, said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near (Matthew 4:17b).”
Christian Character Counts when people turn from a poor way of developing lousy character conditioned through bad advisers - false teachers in life. People, Christians, have many issues because they have awful character habits without ever realizing it. They have dysfunctional relationships, floundering careers, burnout, stress, lost dreams, debt, and more because they fail to make an about-face and commit to learning God’s character with teachers who understand what they’re doing. Most problems in life come from whether or not people keep a good attitude and care for their character through Christ – a good model proven to work through all of history and design towards the excellence of life.
Christian Character Counts because the outcome is always “good” (Romans 8:28). Yes, people can have good issues that, when adequately guided with sound character, always turn out for the betterment of life. If a character is formed on a foundation of true beliefs, our lives will express a life that is healthy, wise, and under the excellent control of God. Under God’s control, we meet the demands of reality, consistently enjoy beauty in any activity or relationship, and delight in connecting with God, others, and self, giving a sense of goodness and usefulness in all of life.
Over the year 2023, many people like you will follow, learn and apply the character teachings provided in this weekly devotion to understand how Christian Character Counts — traits that deal with positive and negative circumstances, situations and relationships daily. As your Christ-like character grows, through this 52-week series, I promise you’ll build personal habits you know you should be developing and getting the results that only come from a “Very Good” model or source - Jesus Christ.
I look forward to you starting this adventure to live your best life possible with God, others, and yourself now and always. Until next week’s lesson on the character trait of “humility,”
Cheers,