Character Building 101
by Dawn Okrasinski
My mother was a force to be reckoned with when she was on a mission. No matter what the job, she propelled herself and everyone in her wake, with humor, energy, and a swiftness. She was driven and goal oriented. Her aim would be to complete the job within a certain amount of time, usually before lunch. The energy required to bring this vision to fruition would be whipped up with part bull-headed determination and part cheery cajoling over those of us holding up progress. When completed, she would thank us for our efforts, make a big show of the accomplishment, and send us out to the garden for a snack. This kind of intentional parenting provided us with a crash course in character. Each of us has acquired a strong work ethic with a no-nonsense approach. Our learning experiences, even though we laugh over the stories today, have stayed with us and inspired us to pass the examples on to our children.
Some of the greatest lessons we learned though, happened through quiet observation. We witnessed, in the slightly bowed form of our mother, devoted daily prayer. We watched her serving family, friends, neighbors, and strangers with the same level of compassion and patience she gave to us. Quick to love and even faster to forgive us, Mom’s graciousness was boundless. Her devotion to Jesus and her desire to model his teachings, did not go unnoticed. Each of us continues in our own way to generate love and continue the legacy.
I believe when you teach in an energy of loving intention, it is hard not to have a lasting effect on those around you. Jesus was like that. Sometimes his lessons were breathtaking and frightening. Peter was quick to learn under Jesus’s tutelage. Matthew 14:29 (NIV) “Come”, he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. We all know what happens next and can imagine Peter’s fright as he began to sink, but the lesson on faith never left Peter as he continued to preach the good news. In fact, his inspiration to model steadfastness in faith, as told through the gospels, has continued to teach long after he himself was crucified.
Consider the quieter lessons Christ taught. I think of the bleeding woman who had twelve years of hardship and suffering. Her perseverance and belief motivated her to reach out and touch Jesus’s robe as he made his way through the throng. A quiet leap of faith resulting in a profound lesson of humility, patience, and love. Luke 8 47-48 (NIV) Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in Peace.”
Developing Christian character does not happen in a vacuum. The aspiration requires courageous purpose and dutiful action to behave in a way that is “Holy as God is Holy”. When we turn the other cheek, strive for radical generosity, and meet hardship with forbearance and self-control, we become examples of living by the Spirit. Our character shapes our behavior and our behavior honors what it means to be a chosen people. Our teachings, great and small, will create ripple effects that change the world.
Call to Action: Pray and reflect on these scriptures.
Gal 5:22-25 (NIV) 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.
James 1:2-4 (MSG) consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
1 Peter 15-16 (NIV) But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Reflection
Think of a recent interaction you had with someone. How did you model Jesus’s character? If prayer is needed for change, do so and act. Journal changes you may experience.
Ask God how you may serve him asking for the courage to live in and through the Spirit. When you are called, be mindful of how you are presenting yourself to the world.
