The Divine Blueprint for Your Character
During our recent meditations, we have reflected that God tests those who belong to Him to build character. God exists outside of time and has seen the end from the beginning. He knows each of us and has planned in advance to shape His people to be more like Christ as He works through those He calls.
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10; emphasis added).
Why God Works Within Us Before Working Through Us
Sometimes, the plans God has prepared for us can be obstructed by a lack of godly character. “Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character” (Heraclitus). God must work within us before He can work through us. The goal of all this is not just to do good works; whatever we achieve is connected to our character and who we are becoming. Our inner character is vital to the Father.
Training for Eternity: The Fruit of the Spirit
Those who believe in Christ are being trained to rule and reign with Christ (Daniel 7:27; 1 Corinthians 6:1-3), not only for the Millennium but also for eternity. God will entrust greater responsibility to those whose character has been transformed by the Spirit of God, those who exhibit the fruit of changed lives. The fruit of the Spirit is described in Galatians 5:22 as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Godly character is evident to others in how you live before them. Such individuals have learned to prioritize what’s on God's agenda rather than their own. Don’t be shocked, then, when difficulties come your way:
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name (1 Peter 4:12-19; emphasis added).
Lessons from Leadership: The Risk of Influence Without Character
Displaying the character of Christ is only possible when God's life, His power, and His presence reside in you. We must depend on the Holy Spirit and God's Word to develop Christlike qualities. Some leaders attempt to influence others before their character is shaped and molded by the Holy Spirit. Leadership lacking character often results in moral failure and invites ridicule and accusations from the enemy. King David illustrates this point. When he gave in to temptation and had an affair with Bathsheba, the prophet Nathan confronted and rebuked him, saying that his actions had caused the enemies of the Lord to show complete disdain for God's name (2 Samuel 12:14).
The transformation of our inner life and character is critical for the entire Body of Christ, especially for leaders. We must “first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). If the Holy Spirit does not transform our character, we allow Satan to accuse Christians before the world. We make ourselves vulnerable to the enemy's sabotage. There are too many examples of those who gained notoriety before they were ready and undermined their success. Our character must be more significant than our influence.
Practical Application: How to Use This
1. The "Audit" of Reactions
The next time a "fiery trial" (a difficult coworker, a car breakdown, a disappointment) occurs, stop before reacting.
The Action: Ask yourself, "What quality is God trying to produce in me right now? Is it patience? Self-control? Trust?"
The Goal: Shift from asking "Why is this happening to me?" to "What is God building in me?"
2. Character Over Platform
In a world obsessed with "influence" and social media presence, we often polish our image while neglecting our souls.
The Action: Identify one area of your life that no one sees (your thought life, your private integrity, your secret generosity). Commit to strengthening that area this week.
The Goal: Ensure your "roots" (character) are deeper than your "branches" (reputation).
3. Lean on the Source
As the text says, you cannot "white-knuckle" your way into being like Christ; it requires the Holy Spirit.
The Action: Start your morning by naming one Fruit of the Spirit you feel you lack (e.g., Gentleness). Explicitly pray: "Holy Spirit, I cannot be gentle on my own today. Please produce your gentleness in me."
The Goal: Move from self-effort to Spirit-dependence.
Keith Thomas
Continue Your Journey…
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The more in-depth study notes of this topic are at the link: The Character of the Disciple
The video teaching of this talk is found at the link below: