In This Issue:
Good and Bad Character
The Character and Attributes of God
Honesty Is a Principle
We Remember Their Character
Test of Sanctified Character
Character
Where Are Your Convictions?
Volume: 942 January 29, 2024
Theme: Character
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Good and Bad Character
Bill Brinkworth
A person is exhibiting good character, as given by many biblical examples, when:
- He uses the old biblical standard for morality, wisdom, and good behavior rather than the constantly changing public opinion.
- He sticks to his word, no matter what it costs him. His word, including commitments, means something to him.
- He fights temptation rather than giving in to it.
- He is more interested in what is right than what is popular. His principles cannot be altered or compromised by peer pressure.
- He puts others’ needs in front of his desires.
- He consistently does the same thing, even when no one is looking!
- Doing what he thinks is right is more important than any embarrassment, public opinion, or other negative thing it may cost him.
- He learns from his mistakes and does not intentionally repeat them.
- He has godly, rather than selfish, priorities.
- He is as honest with himself as he is with others.
- He lets principles, rather than emotions, pride, or opinions, guide him.
- He seeks and follows truth, even if it costs or pains him to do so.
A person is not exhibiting good character when:
- He changes his stand from biblical principles and morals to match those that oppose what he is voicing. A man of good character will not succumb to mob rule or mob mentality!
- He makes choices that he believes are popular. He is more interested in popularity or what he can get out of a situation than doing the right thing.
- He is more interested in instant gratification rather than long-term results.
“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your future!”
The Character and Attributes of God
Gleaned from Bible Readings for the Home, 1943
A Christian should be Christ-like. Christ was like His Father. Here is how the Bible describes God’s character:
- “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” I John 4:8
- “The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Psalms 145:17
- “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.” Ex. 34:6, 7
- “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Ps. 86:15
- “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” Deut. 7:9
- “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Col. 2:3
- “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (impartial, unprejudiced)” Acts 10:34
- “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” Ps. 145:9
“When you run away from a problem, it most likely will follow you the rest of your life, no matter where you go!”
Honesty Is a Principle
Author Unknown
A slave boy on the auctioneer’s block was approached by a kind-hearted man who asked, “If I buy you and take you to a beautiful home, will you be honest and truthful?”
The young man answered without hesitation, “Sir, I will be honest and truthful whether you buy me or not!”
We Remember Their Character
Author Unknown
Abel, had the best sacrifice
Abraham, waited for God’s promises
Adam, the sinner that tainted all mankind
Daniel, the brave one
David, deep trust in God
Elijah and Elisha, relied on God
Eve, succumbed to serpent-pressure
Jacob, sneaky and an opportunist
Jesus, Holy, obedient, righteous…
Job, patient and trusted on God
Jonah, disobedient to God
Joseph, the chaste and upright
Judas, betrayed Jesus
Obadiah, the faithful
Moses, follower of God
Nehemiah, man with a burden to continue to worship God’s way
Paul, determined to do what God commanded
Satan, enemy of God
You! What best describes your character: ________________
Tests of Sanctified Character
Author Unknown
Some of the acid tests of sanctified character will always be:
- Can you labor on cheerfully without earthly reward?
- Can you toil on hopefully without tangible returns?
- Can you travel the road of frequent criticism without bitterness?
- Can you sacrifice, pray, and give while others lead the procession and receive the honors? Are you willing to be the soil where providential events may grow while others fill the places of leaves and blossoms on the trees of time?
“Truthfulness is a cornerstone in character, and if it is not firmly laid in youth, there will ever be a weak spot in one’s character.” — J. Davis
The Greek word from which our word “character” originates refers to a sharp-pointed instrument or engraving tool. This definition can also be applied to our personal “character.” Our character is the means by which each of us makes an impression on the world; our character labels us.
The instrument itself is not a finished product. It is a mere tool, but character improves with use like many a fine instrument. Our actions and reactions temper our disposition and strengthen us to face future obstacles. Each must forge his character. Each must be responsible for keeping it in condition. Each must also be responsible for its results.
“Where Are Your Convictions?”
Author Unknown
A certain congressman once voted for the approval of an immoral bill. He knew he was doing wrong, but he stifled his conscience in obedience to political expediency demands.
Not long afterward, while visiting his home, he met an old friend on the street. After they had exchanged greetings, the friend frankly told the congressman how disappointed he was by the leader’s vote. “You voted wrong on that bill, John. You must have known it was wrong. How did you happen to vote that way?”
“Well, yes,” admitted the embarrassed politician. “I’m afraid it wasn’t the right way to vote, but you have no idea what pressure I am under.”
“Pressure?” echoed his friend. “Where are your convictions, courage, and conscience that can help you bear that pressure?” The question was a searching one. It mercilessly exposed the congressman’s lack of character to stand by his convictions.
“Do right until the stars fall!” — Bob Jones, Sr.