The Three Aspects of Character
How do we become person of character? Of integrity?
It’s a question many of us want to know the answer to, but quite honestly, aren’t willing to put the work in to discover.
The process of character-building is a long, slow, process. But, it is possible and necessary in our walk with Jesus.
So, how do we become such a person? How do we grow our character?
Well, it starts with remembrance.
To live a life of character requires us to remember: to remember what Jesus did for us on that cross. To remember that Jesus has covered the debt we owe. But it also requires us to remember that since we have been forgiven, we are now commissioned—by God—to make every effort (in other words, to try, to invest, to back up) our calling and election as a co-laborer and co-conqueror in Christ. As a builder in bringing Heaven on Earth.
The great philosopher Dallas Willard says, “grace isn’t opposed to effort. It’s opposed to earning.”
Just because you’ve been saved by Christ doesn’t mean the journey is over. No, my friends, it has just begun. And each of us, every day, have the opportunity to be formed and shaped in the Character of Christ. We have the chance to develop a character that leaves an impression on others and that leaves a legacy. A legacy defined by faith, hope, and love.
But, we can’t stop there. After we remember our identity, we must then embrace our calling. We all know how stressful life is. People asking constantly, “what are you going to do? Where are you working? When will you get married?” And it can feel so overwhelming, right?
But, what if we changed the stereotypical answer?
What if, instead of focusing on what’s right in front of us, we looked at the long game? What if, instead of trying to answer every question about the future, we embraced who God is calling us to be?
How incredible of a testimony would it be, the next time you’re asked a question about your future—that you don’t know the answer to, you simply said, “I’m not sure. Right now, I’m just focused on becoming a person of faith, hope, and love like my Master, Jesus.”
That’s going to get people curious.
“Really? Tell me more.”
Think about how many conversations that answer would open up to be able to share the Gospel with others?
Remember what God has done for you.
Embrace the calling God’s placed on your life—the unchanging calling—to be a person of ever-growing character.
And finally, honor God with the life you live. It’s not enough to simply—as the old adage goes—”talk the talk.” We have to “walk the walk.” To be an apprentice or follower of Jesus is to become like Jesus. To grow in Christ-like character is to become more like Jesus. This is the process of character formation. Becoming a person who—in faith—remembers the work of the cross, embraces their Kingdom-calling, and then builds on that foundation with goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.
What a life that would be, right?
And it’s a life that’s possible to grow into. But it takes time. It takes effort. It takes discipline and intentionality.
It’s a life that—as you remember, embrace, and honor God—leaves people wondering, “what’s different about you?” It’s a life that unlocks ability and possibility to share with others about this Jesus who has literally changed our lives. A Savior who has shown us that a life of transformed character is the only life worth living.
The Apostle Peter is probably one of the least qualified people with respect to character formation.
Seriously.
I mean this is the same guy who was in Jesus’ inner, inner circle. And yet, when the time came for Jesus to be executed, Peter was nowhere to be found. He abandoned Jesus in his greatest time of need. And not only that, but when he was confronted with his association with the Rabbi from Nazareth, you know what he did? He denied that he even knew Jesus 3 different times!
And yet, that’s not the end to Peter’s story. Because later that day, Jesus put the weight of all sins on his shoulders and 3 days later, he conquers sin and death once and for all by literally rising from the dead.
Now, here’s where it gets crazy. Peter’s name means, “rock.” It’s a name that was given to him by Jesus. He tells Peter (whose name was Simon), “Simon, your name is now Peter, which means rock, and on this rock, I will build my church.”
What an honor, right?
And yet, I bet after denying Jesus 3 times, Peter felt like anything but the rock of God’s Church.
A few days later, Jesus reappears to the disciples and look at what his first words to Peter are since Peter denied him…
“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17, NIV).
3 times Peter denies Jesus, and 3 times, Jesus asks Peter, “do you love me?” And it says that Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him 3 times, but I wonder if Jesus was driving home that every betrayal, every denial, all the abandonment shown by Peter was forgiven.
One statement of love at a time.
And notice, that at each pass, Jesus is reminding Peter of the character he is to form, of the man he is to become, of legacy he is called to leave.
Peter became the rock of the church and started a massive world-wide movement that has reached us today. We’re a part of that church today because Jesus forgave Peter, which changed his life, and the Holy Spirit enabled him to live a life honoring to God that displayed his love to the world.
That moment began the formation of character and a legacy that we’re still being influenced by 2,000 years later.
So, what about you, my friend? How is God seeking to transform and sharpen your character? Lean into it. We need you.
Be encouraged.
