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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Character is a distinctive trait or quality, a pattern of behavior demonstrating ethical character and a self-disciplined lifestyle as a result of moral code. It is the flavor or our being, the substance of our personality; developed intentionally or otherwise by what we expose ourselves to and participate in. Our character increasing or limiting our capacity to perceive the truth about ourselves and others – up to and including God.
Some would challenge that definition of character and the importance it plays in our lives. Especially since several generations of young adults have been indoctrinated in the ideals of moral relativism at our more liberal universities, where the interest has not been so much in seeking out truth but in redefining it. All things being measured by the yardstick of tolerance, which in the end insists that all things can be true – from a certain point of view – and have equal value. The inference then being that anyone who upholds the ideal of ultimate truth, insists on definitive parameters of right and wrong and persists in calling sin – sin, is oppressive and evil.
Let me be quick to say that there is nothing inherently wrong with questioning the status quo of any number of topics, including faith; as long as we’re not merely challenging “authority” and that which has proven itself over time if it doesn’t meet our present expectations and preferences. Seeking genuine answers to legitimate questions is fine, as long as it’s accompanied with a willingness to accept the truth that is revealed to us.
Re-arranging the answers and recreating the truth has a long history (See Genesis 3:1-5), many trying to uncover layers of truth and applications to any number of ideas and principles (See John 18:38), ultimately forcing truth to morph into conflicting positions so that everyone can somehow be right – or at least not wrong. Which is a vain attempt to level the playing field at all costs and remove any unintended or unwanted consequences from people’s lives – even if they’re self-inflicted. But as syndicated columnist Kathleen Parker recently asserted, “Without consequences, actions have no meaning and therefore no moral relevancy. One thing is as good as another; lies are as good as truth.” Which again is hardly new, scripture warning “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and cleaver in their own sight.”; reconfiguring reality at its most basic level. (See Is. 5:20,21) (The nuances of scripture sometimes allowing it to speak to different people in various ways, but the primary point of sinful man needing a Savior remains unchanged and unchangeable.) Jesus identifying God’s word as the essence and summation of all truth. (John 17:17) Hebrews 1:3 characterizing Jesus as, “…the exact representation of (God’s) being,…”
So where does character – or more specifically Christian character come from? By, “…not conform(ing) any longer to the pattern of this world, but be(ing) transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Why? So that, “…you will be able to test and approve (know) what God’s will is – “ Romans 12:1,2It all starts with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), successfully fulfilled in the 11th command of “Love one another.” John 13:34 The essence of both Testaments being: Love God first and foremost while loving your neighbors as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-40 & Mark 12:30,21) When we do, hungering and thirsting for the righteousness that is achieved only through a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, craving it as “food” or sustenance for our being, we are promised an abundant life and the ability to live as he directs. (Matthew 5:6)
By doing so we will seek first his kingdom, implementing the righteous (right) living of God into our lives. Doing to others – first – what we would have them do to us, regardless of their response or the consequences. (Matthew 6:33 & 7:12) “Do(ing) nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,…” – “ …as nobody should seek his own good, but the good or others,” (Philippians 2:3 & 1 Corinthians 10:24) Not merely refraining from doing evil, we are to be actively involved in doing good; sin not judged as such only when we do bad, but in our not doing the good we know we should, yet don’t. (James 4:17)
In an effort to foster understanding and respect, we must be willing to deny ourselves the freedom to speak and act solely for our own benefit; but never – ever – shirk our responsibility as Christians to share the gospel in boldness and truth. “Always… prepared to give an answer… with gentleness and respect.” As well as “…great patience and careful instruction.” (1 Peter 3:15 & 2 Timothy 4:2) We are to be in the world but not if it, remembering Paul’s warning that, “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 Our best safeguard against comprising our principles being in developing a Christ-like attitude or mind-set; patterning our lives after he who was humble and self-sacrificing but who never-the-less held firm to the cause God had set before him. (Philippians 2:5-11)
Paul describing a Christian’s life as abounding in perseverance, character and hope (Romans 5:4); promoting a sense of purpose that moves us beyond ourselves; embracing God and others through acts of obedience and compassion. (See Matthew 25:34-45) Who we are and how we behave matters, what we believe is crucial to that sense of identity that informs all we say and do; our faith separating us from the “world” and its value-system (1 John 2:15,16), distinguishing us as followers of Christ. (See Galatians 5:22,23)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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