Strength of Character
by Barb Laws
Most people would undoubtedly like to be known for their strong character. However, do we even know what this means? After all, what is our character, and how can we make it stronger? The word “character” derives from Greek words meaning “I engrave.”
Character is something that is literally etched into us. Character is who we are, how we react, how we think, how we make choices, and how we live our lives. Abraham Lincoln said that “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” It’s no exaggeration to say that our character is the essence of who we are.
If character is an essence and not something we can easily observe, how do we recognize a strong character? Traits of a strong character are honesty, fairness, integrity, loyalty, courage, kindness, confidence, trustworthiness, responsibility, consistency, humility, generosity, compassion, empathy, reliability, self-discipline and respectfulness. For Christians, this list should sound more than a little familiar. It bears a strong resemblance to this list from Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
In addition to the fruit of the Spirit, the Bible gives us clear instructions regarding the other traits of a strong character:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned. (James 5:12)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)
This is not an exhaustive list. There are many, many other verses instructing us in how we should live our lives. These instructions correlate very closely with the traits of a strong character. It’s obvious that God’s plan for Christians is that we possess a strong character, which will be obvious to others as they observe how we live our lives.
Being a Christian, and having an exceptionally strong character, will make you stand out, even to the secular world. Being recognized for your character will increase your visibility and enhance your witness.
Unfortunately, this cuts both ways. Increased public visibility means that failures are more visible as well. We can all think of multiple high-profile Christians who experienced public disgrace due to “failures of character,” usually involving greed, lust, or thirst for power. The enemy will attack our character. He knows our weaknesses and has never been accused of fighting fairly.
God’s desire for us is to be people of strong character, and to be known as such. In His word, he has left a blueprint of how to grow our character. His instructions are repeated over and over again, to make sure that we understand them. As with our faith, our character should grow and mature over the course of our lives with Christ. However, we must always protect our character, be diligent and never overconfident. Always remember, “Be careful; when you think you are standing firm, you might fall.”
