How is Your Character?

Developing Strong Character

William Straton Bruce, The Formation of Christian Character
Character is nature and nurture. It is nature cultured and disciplined, so that natural tendencies are brought under the sway of the moral motive. His natural individuality marks off a man from his fellows by clear and specific differences. But this individuality may be non-moral. To produce character it must be brought under discipline, and organized into the structure of a true moral being . . .Above all, [character] includes a choice, a settled habit or bent of will, so that it can be seen in its outcome in conduct. 

Historian Warren Susman
During the 1800s, “character was a key word in the vocabulary of Englishmen and Americans,” and men were spoken of as having strong or weak character, good or bad character, a great deal of character or no character at all. Young people were admonished to cultivate real character, high character, and noble character and told that character was the most priceless thing they could ever attain. Starting at the beginning of the 20th century, however, Susman found that the ideal of character began to be replaced by that of personality.

What is it?  We all know it when we see it.
Honesty  Integrity
Courage  Loyalty
Work ethic  Self-Control
Discipline  Kindness
Mercy   Patience

Why should you care? 
Who you are is important. Your character affects every relationship, job and experience that you have.
Your family, your community, your church all need men and women of character.
Your choices create your character. Choices matter.
Intentional choices create intentional character.
Who do you want to be? More importantly, Who does God want you to be?
What kind of person are you as you walk through the world?

How do you develop your character?
· Develop awareness - Recognize good character
• Know God’s standards and ideal for you
• Meditate on God's Word – particularly men like David and Paul
• Pray for growth, wisdom, and courage to be the person you can be
• Beware of your weak areas. Avoid temptation ... flee...
• Choose friends w/ strong character
> learn to Serve others
• Learn patience, make thoughtful choices, not rash, too quick decisions.