Building Godly Character– Pt 1

Dear Reader,

Welcome to another great month! My heartfelt prayer for you is that the eyes of your understanding be opened to see the great truths God has in stock for you in Jesus’ name. This month, we shall be exploring Building Godly Character.

A person’s character is the sum of his or her disposition, thoughts, intentions, desires and actions. Also, your character is your lifestyle. However, Christian character is all about who we are and what we do based on our relationship with Christ. A wise man has rightly said that “Character is what we do when we think no one is looking.” Therefore, character is of the heart, the inner man. The Word says: A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things (Matthew 12:35).

What Influences Character?

• Character is influenced and developed by our choices. A typical example is Daniel in the Bible; He resolved in his heart not to defile himself in Babylon (Daniel 1:8); his relationship with God directed his life’s choices. Therefore, our character is what influences our choices. The word says: The integrity of the upright guides them… (Proverbs 11:3).
• God sometimes uses trials to strengthen our character. The Word says: And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope (Romans 5:3-4). It is the Lord’s purpose to develop character within us. (Proverbs 17:3). Godly character is the result of the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification. Jesus Christ is our perfect example of how a Christian Character should be. Believers were first called Christians in Antioch because their lives reflected the attributes of Christ in their day-to day living, in their actions and words. Therefore, the moment you are born again, your life must reflect the very nature of Christ.

How then can I Build a Godly Character?

It is important to state clearly that no one can successfully build a godly character without Christ. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God (Hebrew 3:4). So we can develop character by:

• Controlling our thoughts (Philippians 4:8)
• Practicing Christian Virtues (2 Peter 1:5-6)
• Guarding our Hearts (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18-20)
• Keeping Good Company (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Therefore, building godly character is non-negotiable; it is highly essential. You can build up or crash your destiny by your character. Just like what the physical foundation is to a building, so is character to your glorious future. You must be willing to pay the price required to cultivate, nurture and sustain the right character. God has wonderful plans for you, but it is one thing for God to plan for you and another lay a solid foundation for that glorious future He has in store for you with godly character. How far you go in life is a function of your character or lack of it. No matter how talented or charismatic you are, if you lack character, you lack substance.

The best time to build that strong Christian Character is now that you are a teenager. Joseph never imagined he would find himself in a strange land or be sold into slavery, but the foundation of a right character made him flee when he was enticed by his master’s wife (Genesis 39:11-12). If character is a matter of the heart, then the question is, where is your heart? The Word says: Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). Is your heart towards the Word of God or the world? What you put in your heart will ultimately manifest in your character. Make God your priority in life. Give His Word first place in your life and watch how His Word reforms and reshape your life, thereby equipping you with all you need in life to soar higher.

However, to build a godly character, you must know the source of it, which is the privilege of those born again. If you are not born again, please say this prayer of faith: Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now, I know I am born again!

Congratulations, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave or forsake you. With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace, in Jesus’ name! Please, write or call to share your testimonies with me through oyedepofaitha@gmail.com OR 08141320204. For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian Bookstores: Single With A Difference, Make Your Life Count and You are Welcome to God’s Family.