Developing Christian Characterنموونە

Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul, and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears.
1 Peter 2:11-12 NET

Good character is deeply associated with being a Christian. In fact, the Bible teaches that believers should have good conduct. While we know that morality is not what gets us saved, we also know that living a life of good morals is part and parcel of our Christian faith and gives credence to the faith we profess. Moral excellence and virtue must be part of our Christian experience.

In a world full of moral decadence and warped perspectives concerning a lot of issues, believers are to be a beacon of light, a ray of hope, and an expression of what moral excellence looks like. We ought not to shy away from the fact that we are to be of sound character, expressing the virtues of God: honesty, integrity, faithfulness, love and everything worthy of good report. We ought not to live as unbelievers live or define things the way they do. By all means, your character must show that you are a child of the Holy God.

Building a good character is a process but it is attainable. It takes intentionality and willingness to represent God well, bearing in mind that we have the Holy Spirit in us to aid us.

In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle gives us a vivid explanation of what God's character looks like. These virtues should find expression in the life of anyone who bears His name. We have been called by an holy calling to live holy lives, therefore we must live as those who partake of the Holiness of God.