“Character is much easier kept than recovered.” – Thomas Paine

Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.  What does your character say about you?  According to scripture how we endure challenges and trials produces character.

Do we go through trials weeping, and complaining?  Singing the somebody done me wrong song? 

Trials aren’t meant to be easy, its name by definition means; a test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something.  And a person, thing, or situation that tests a person’s endurance or forbearance.

So, if we are being tested to see how we endure or forbear that situation, person or thing….is it in our best interest to pass the test the with flying colors by pressing for that A+ or do we just wallow through and settle for the D?  Well in the Christian walk, God won’t allow for anything other than an A+, He wants our best and will allow trial after trial in order to build His best in us; then producing Christ-like character in us!

Hebrews 10:36 tells us, “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”  What’s the promise?  

According to Hebrews 9:15, it’s the eternal inheritance!  “And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”  Luke 21:19 says, “In your patience possess ye your souls.”

Romans 2:7 says, “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:”

So, our character is being built, renewed, transformed in order for us to serve more diligently taking on the mindset of Christ that in everything we do is to glorify God in heaven.  Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Philippians 2:12-16 also tells us, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

In summary, we are to live a life of obedience to Gods Word, 365 days of the year.  Not just on Sunday but every day.  We are accountable for ourselves this is why we are told to work out our own salvation.  Don’t fake the funk around the church folks and live any kind of way outside of the church.  God is everywhere and knows the intent of our hearts.  We are to live life according to His good pleasure with joy and thanksgiving.  We are to be the lights of the world; we are to be the salt of the earth!  We are to be the ones the lost turn to in times of need for guidance and counsel.  But your character if not of God will turn them away.

We are to be helpers one to another …Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Trust me…if you have taken on the character of the mouth of the south…the one who gossips about everyone in the church…you will be the last person someone will seek for comfort or help because of the negative character you have displayed.  How can you be used for the Kingdom if your character is blemished?  We read earlier in Philippians 2 vs 14 that we are children of God without blemish.  So, what if you say, yes, my character isn’t what it should be…I’m ashamed of how I’ve portrayed myself…WELL, this is why the gospel is known as the good news!  As long as there is breath in your body, you have the opportunity to get right with God.  

Repent and seek God.  Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

Acts 2:38 tells us, “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

1 John 1:19 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Let us set our sight on Jesus, our goal to honor Him with our living!  Allow Jesus to build His character in you…God changes things!!

Meditation verse – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Blessings!!

Keishana