Every individual has an identity peculiar to him/her – who that person is, how he/she acts and reacts to situations is what truly defines who they are and what they stand for. Are they peaceful or troublesome, kind or wicked, violent or gentle, humble or proud? All these are defining attributes of one’s character.
Character has been defined as “the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual”, another definition says “it is the stable and distinctive qualities built into an individual’s life which determines his or her response regardless of circumstances”. There are varied definitions and explanations of what character is. Taking these into consideration, I would say;
Character is what defines a person’s deep rooted behaviors, believes, attitudes and principles. These attributes tell the world without a word who a person is.
Does our character really affect our lives?…
Character is what defines us. It determines how we respond to the situations and circumstances in our lives. You know there are those times in our lives when we find ourselves responding or reacting to a situation in certain ways without consciously thinking through it. These reactions are actually dictated by our character. For example, a positive person in most situations will see the positive rather than the negative side of things. One with a character quality of truthfulness is much likely to accurately tell the reality of a given situation than a person who has the trait of deception. Equally, a person with the character trait of patience and tolerance will be more accepting of others and less prejudiced. True character is shown in how we act in any situation.
In life, success or failure in any situation or endeavor depends on how we respond or react to situations and this is determined by character. Hence, our character will determine if we will become a success or failure in life.
Cultivating a character that builds is paramount not just because it is good for our lives but more importantly because it doesnot only affects our lives but those of our friends, family and society. At your work place, what puts you at the top or bottom and guarantees happiness or sadness is character. Character equally guarantees peace or war at home, it promises a bright or dull future for our society.
Often times in life, our body would want to follow the crowd and live the “I don’t care” life but our character directs us whether to take that path or not. Cultivating a character that builds is an assurance of a life that builds (Mathew 12:35) and the bible encourages us to take up a character of love at all times (1Chorinthians 13:13). However, it is only by the Holy Spirit that a person can cultivate such a character.
Below are some benefits of cultivating a character that builds:
- Good Character Makes us Lovable: characters that build in on you and others tend to pull people to you and causes them to show uncommon love. For example, Jesus’ disciples loved Him not only because He performed miracles but because of His identity; His character.
- Gives us emotional stability and self confidence: there are times when I act selfishly towards a friend and I find that my whole day is spoiled because somehow, things just don’t go joyfully or as planned. On the other hand, I find the most joy and confidence in myself when I am at peace with the people around me. That is the benefit of good character, it gives you uncommon peace and stability (proverbs 3:17)
- Earns us respect: what someone does can be respected but can also be forgotten easily but it is almost impossible to forget who a person is or was from his character traits. I would never forget my grandma not necessarily because of what she did for me but because of her deep humility and love towards her grand children.
So then, How Can We Cultivate good Character?
There are no clear cut, strict or on the neck rules, but as the bible would tell us God gives a free will to chose which way to follow (Joshua 24:15). However I would like us to consider these few tips for building a good character:
- Always think Positively: Always think of the higher things of life, resist the urge to think low on yourself or others. Let your mind be filled with joyful, hopeful and excellent thoughts so much so that your words and actions will reflect these things. You know a man is what he thinks, whatever you conceive and meditate upon is what you will act out. Therefore think positively and your character will be a positive one. (Phi 4:8)
- Avoid eye service: At times we are tempted to do things just to receive praises and approval from others not really because we believe that what we are doing is the right thing. This however will only earn us a short lived respect and happiness . However if we act out of faith, conviction and love we are building for ourselves and others a wall that won’t fall easily. Speak and act the truth in love at all times not to please man but God only in every and any situation or place. (Math 6:1)
- Be tolerant and patient: Jesus was King of the universe but he was also tolerant to death. That is the kind of tolerance we need to emulate. Don’t always seek the wide and easy way, but bear the narrow and difficult way. You know most of life’s important lessons are learned under difficult circumstances. I remember when I had to repeat a class and I was devastated, but that was my big break in education and life. Today, I still tap into the benefits of that life changing experience. Be patient and learn all you can when you can, you might not have a second opportunity. (Math 7:13)
- Rely on God alone: It all starts and ends here, our hearts and entire being and all is from God. Without him, nothing we desire to be or do will be possible. In those moments when you just want to curse, fight and scream, only the Holy Spirit can help you do what Christ will do. Let the word of God be the yardstick for all you do. (Prov 3:5-6)
After all is said and done, what remains is that in life, success or failure in any situation or endeavor depends on how we respond or react to situations. Everything rises and falls on character.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law….Galatians 5:22 &23
Remain Blessed
Melie Pechue
Wonderful piece. God bless you