A Christlike Character
Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny. Emerson
It is in the passing of years that the character painted by the daily brush strokes of thoughts, actions, and habits begins to fill the canvas of life. Therefore, it is good at the start of another year to step back from our work, and with the Spirit’s help, to look at the character that is being formed and to consider the destiny that will almost certainly result. This is our masterpiece, our life’s work – we must get it right. As we reflect on what we see, thank God for areas where He has helped us form a Christlike character and determine to improve those areas that are lacking.
- How are your relationships?
Perhaps in no other area of life is our character more evident than in our relationships. Are those close to you getting the time they deserve? Is someone hurting because of your thoughtless words or actions?
Spouse:
Ephesians 5:28,29. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
1Peter 3:7 (Phillips) Similarly, you husbands should try to understand the wives you live with, honouring them as physically weaker yet equally heirs with you of the grace of eternal life. If you don't do this, you will find it impossible to pray properly.
Parents to Children:
Ephesians 6:4 (Message) Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.
Church family:
Matthew 5:23,24. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Love or charity is so much better than all burnt-offerings and sacrifices, that God will have reconciliation made with an offended brother before the gift is offered. Matthew Henry
- Are you faithful to your ministry and to let your light shine?
You may be a pastor, a mother, a Sunday School teacher, or a praying saint; but at this time of your life you have a special ministry. Is light brightly shining from your hill?
Matthew 5:14,16 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Luke 11:33 "No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light.”
- Do you show your gratefulness by praising Him?
Every parent makes sure that “thank you” is among the first words that their toddler learns; we know that a “thank you” spirit is vital to good character. Is “Thank you, Lord” a daily phrase in your vocabulary?
Psalms 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord, for making me whole. Thank you, Lord, for giving to me thy great salvation so rich and free.
- Are you a loving person?
A Christlike character is loving. Divine love is called charity in the Bible. Charity also means giving aid to the needy; it is love in action. Christ showed compassion for undeserving people in need and we should do the same. When is the last time that you tangibly helped someone less fortunate than yourself?
1John 3:17,18 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
I John 4: 20 (Message) If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both.
- Is Jesus your Best Friend?
Jesus wants to be our best friend. As we draw close to Him, He will draw close to us and conform our character to His. Best friends tell each other everything, they stand up for each other, and one would never hurt the other. Best friends don’t just communicate with Christmas cards. Christ is your Savior; He is your Lord – but is He your best friend?
Romans 8:15 (Phillips) All who follow the leading of God’s Spirit are God’s own sons. Nor are you meant to relapse into the old slavish attitude of fear – you have been adopted into the very family circle of God and you can say with a full heart, “Father, my Father”.
”I must tell Jesus all of my trials, I cannot bear these burdens alone.
In my distress He kindly will help me; He ever loves and cares for His own.
I must tell Jesus all of my troubles; He is a kind, compassionate friend.
If I but ask Him, He will deliver, make of my troubles quickly an end.”
- Do you have “the big picture?”
Carefully examine your life’s canvas; is your character being painted against a background of godly goals and priorities or is the world squeezing you into its mold? If you could choose to be remembered for three things what would they be? Don’t miss the big picture – it determines your character and your destiny.
Revelation 22:12-14 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.”
Service Schedule 