Developing a Godly Character
I am listing 6 basic principles that I consider in my walk with God.
1.) Right motive: Devotion to God is the only acceptable motive for actions that are pleasing to God.
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"
2.) Source of strength. Christians have access to spiritual strength which inhances our abilities.
2 Corinthians 3:5, "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. "
Philippians 4:13, "I can do all this through him (Christ) who gives me strength."
3.) Responsibility and dependence: though the strength of a Christian comes from God we must allow Him to work in us.
Philippians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 2;13, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
4.) Put off and put on: the development of godly character entails both putting off and putting on character traits.
Ephesians 4:22-24, "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
5.) Balanced growth: we are to pursue growth in all of the characteristics that are considered fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-26, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
6.) Growth is progressive: growth is never finished.
Philippians 3:12, "1Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."
These are just a few thoughts for today. Obviously, the Scriptures have much more to say about godly character. It is a lifelong journey and today can be a step forward if you put Him first in your life.
1.) Right motive: Devotion to God is the only acceptable motive for actions that are pleasing to God.
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"
2.) Source of strength. Christians have access to spiritual strength which inhances our abilities.
2 Corinthians 3:5, "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. "
Philippians 4:13, "I can do all this through him (Christ) who gives me strength."
3.) Responsibility and dependence: though the strength of a Christian comes from God we must allow Him to work in us.
Philippians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 2;13, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
4.) Put off and put on: the development of godly character entails both putting off and putting on character traits.
Ephesians 4:22-24, "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
5.) Balanced growth: we are to pursue growth in all of the characteristics that are considered fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-26, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
6.) Growth is progressive: growth is never finished.
Philippians 3:12, "1Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."
These are just a few thoughts for today. Obviously, the Scriptures have much more to say about godly character. It is a lifelong journey and today can be a step forward if you put Him first in your life.
If we love the Lord with our whole being, our character will reflect God's love to others. It dictates our actions toward others.
Character=Conduct=Character=Conduct=Character
It is an unending cycle
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