CHARACTER

Romans 5:3-4 “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that

     tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

            The word character appears in the Bible only a few times.  Yet the references indicate that character is something to be sought after.  In the passage cited above, the Apostle Paul points out the unique relationship between tribulations, perseverance, and character.

The tribulations he is referring to were the trials and difficulties experienced by believers who were being persecuted for their faith.  As a Christian in prison, I have experienced that same persecution, both from other inmates and free staff.  Paul says these tribulations would produce perseverance.  He was assuming, of course, that those who were being persecuted would faithfully and courageously endure their persecutions; that they would not break under the pressure and deny their faith in Christ.

Then he gets to our word, “And perseverance, character” (Rom. 5:4).  Notice the difference.  Perseverance is something we do.  We persevere under pressure.  But character is not something we do.  It is something we have or don’t have.  Character is about what we are or, as some would say, what we are made of.  Paul’s conclusion is that those who persevere through trials regarding their beliefs are men and women of character.  Their character was made evident by their response to what was happening around them.

I define character as “doing what is right because it is right.”  In biblical terms we are talking about righteous men and women; men and women who do what is right for the right reason.  Example:  being part of the discipleship program, Life Above Approach.  “Life is built on character, but character is built on decisions.”  (Warren W. Wiersbe)

Now think for a moment about the places in your community that are geared toward developing your character.  Other than church, you don’t have much to choose from.  There was a time when you would have put school on that list, but that is not necessarily true anymore.

I think we live in a society that is totally committed to the outer person and neglects the inner person.  Yet the social problems in this nation, the ones commentators and politicians constantly complain about, are not rooted in our appearance.  On the other hand, most of our problems as a nation stem from a lack of character among our leaders and citizens.  Our biggest deficit in the nation is not a budget deficit, it is a character deficit.

“Character is what a man is in the dark.”  (D.L. Moody).  So, to be persons of character, we must first submit ourselves to God’s code of conduct.  We must agree with Him that His ways are right when we understand, don’t understand, and misunderstand.  We must in effect say, “Lord, before You even tell me what the right thing to do is in my particular situation, I want You to know that I believe You are right.’

Character is to relationships what oil is to a motor.  If you took apart the engine of a new car, you would find that each part was made to work perfectly with all the other parts of that engine.  They were made for each other.  Yet, if you run that engine without oil, certain parts of that engine will eventually destroy the parts around them.  Why?  Friction and heat.  The fact that the parts were perfectly suited for each other isn’t enough.

The same is true in relationships.  When there is a deficit in character, you pay for it in your relationships.  It doesn’t matter how perfectly suited you are for your spouse, your  job, or your group you live with.  If you don’t have character, there is going to be friction.

One of the best ways I know to build character is to be involved in a strong biblical program that stresses the Word of God.  In the Life Above Approach agenda, it is to equip men and women with the Word of God.  By reading and studying the New Testament and then spending time discussing the meanings or themes we discovered brought out a richness in a deeper understanding of God’s Word and how it is applicable to our own personal walk with the Lord.  Have I grown in this program?  I can say without any hesitation, YES!

In His grip,

Rev. David R. Ewart, Ph.Ed.