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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Honesty, accountability and integrity are personal attributes that also lend themselves to building and sustaining great nations; yet they are sorely lacking at every level of society today. Since all three are components of character, it might be to our benefit to examine how it is developed and integrated into our lives. Many behavioral scientists might list a number of attributes that may or may not include those presented here, however I believe these are worthy of consideration none-the-less.
Part of what defines us as individuals is passed on to us by our parents. These genetically acquired characteristic traits are inclinations or predispositions effecting our physical make-up and expressive abilities, but these tendencies don’t mandate who we become or dictate how we respond. Our intelligence or mental capacity influences our ability to study and comprehend, yet the responsibility to choose to study in a genuine desire to learn is still ours. We have been instructed to no longer conform to the world in our thinking or actions but to be transformed through the renewing of our minds ( Romans 12:2); true in both our secular and spiritual education. Our attitude toward others is effected by our souls or conscience, that which inherently knows in a general sense right from wrong. But much of that attitude depends on how we develop it and the examples we choose to emulate; the ultimate example being Christ’s willingness to sacrifice his will for the benefit of others. ( Philippians 2:5) Even remorse, the product of a guilty conscience, can at times be a positive influence in our lives if it drives us to our knees in a desire to please God. The Holy Spirit heightens our conscience as he guides us to an appreciation and understanding of God’s will through his word, even as he represents the first installment of the promise of eternal life. ( Ephesians 1:14) Through repentance and baptism we receive him into ourselves ( Acts 2:38); what he accomplishes in our lives depends largely on our desire to be led by him into the truths of the gospel. (His fire and our enthusiasm to follow can be quenched – so be on guard. 1 Thessalonians 5:19)
All these contribute to creating character; a pattern of behavior, a distinctive quality, a means of identification – that can and should demonstrate moral strength, self-discipline and conduct above reproach. It’s part of the very substance of our being and the “flavor” of our personality. ( Matthew 5:13) But where does specifically Christian character come from? The Word of God as expressed in the Bible; necessitating a resolve on our part to be in that Word, interpreting it into a lifestyle “readable” by others. It all starts at Exodus 20, the 10 commands of God; culminating in the 11th command of love. ( John 13:34, Matthew 22:3-40 and Mark 12:30,31) Loving God first and foremost – loving your neighbor as yourself.
The Beatitudes, found in Mat. 5-7, are a treasure-trove of character building instructions. Blessed are you when you hunger and thirst for righteousness! When you want and need the understanding of the Word and its effects in your life so much that you crave it as sustenance. The result being we become the salt of the earth, that which gives spice to life and light to the world, serving as a beacon to lost souls. Here we are reminded of the importance of allowing the spirit of the Law to direct us past mere obedience to the letter of the Law; to see and minister to the flesh-and-blood people the Law is meant to protect, correct and aid in personal growth and living – an essential ingredient to character building. An uncaring attitude equated to murder. Never commit adultery, not even in the privacy of your mind. No divorce, except for adultery – ideally not even then if you can love enough to forgive and accept the offending partner’s true repentance. Be true to your word, turn the other cheek, go the extra mile. Love not only your neighbors but your enemies as well. (Even those who actively, spitefully oppose us should be seen as a lost soul desperately in need of the Lord.) Give to the needy by actively practicing your faith yet doing so in a private manner. Pray earnestly. Fast as you seek the Lord wholeheartedly. Guard what you consider as treasure and where you deposit it; for what it is and where it is kept will control your heart, your emotions, and your actions. Don’t worry, he understands and controls the events about us even when we can’t see him and understand what he’s doing to help. Never be judgmental, be discerning and care enough to correct but don’t be spiteful. Seek first the Kingdom, implementing the righteousness of God into your lifestyle, trusting him to take care of the rest of life; supplying your needs as he sees fit. Do to others – first – what you would have them do to you, being and doing what you know God wants regardless of the reactions of people around you or of the consequences. This all becomes a lifestyle, an attitude – Character! Who you are in public and private moments.
“Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24 (See also Philippians 2:3,4) Even if that means occasionally denying ourselves a certain amount of freedom of speech and activity. Don’t ever compromise your Christian lifestyle or fail to speak the Gospel in boldness and truth, but never use the “good news” as a club to beat others into submission with either. People won’t respond to your best intentions if they can’t or don’t understand what you are saying or doing. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,…” 1 Peter 3:15 “with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2
We are to be in the world but not of it, learning to interact with people but not assuming their attitudes, actions and personality. Our purpose is to assist God in seeing as many men and women come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as possible. Therefore, your “Love… must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you;… Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:9-18 & 21What a code to live by! What a difference we could make in the world if we did.
What kind of character are you? Are you keeping pace with the crowd or setting your own course? Do you blend in or stand out? Are you a follower or a leader? It is only by the grace of God that we can become the people we need to be and through the knowledge and practice of his word that we develop the character to become who He expects us to be.
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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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