Character PracticeSample

Practice Character So You’re Ready for Anything

Are you ready? Because ready or not, this Bible Plan is not playing—it’s coming for you. 

There are skills you need to learn. You need to learn them in order to make it through this thing called life. These skills will take practice. Lots and lots of practice. 

What are these skills? Basic math? Reading and writing? Computer coding skills? Cake decorating skills? 

Watch this video, and you’ll get your first hint at what you’re going to practice as you read this Bible Plan over the next five days. Spoiler alert: It centers on Philippians 4:12-13, using the New Living Translation of the Bible. 

Okay, it’s time for you to learn what you’re going to practice hard at through this Bible Plan. You’re going to learn character. And not just any character, you’re going to learn how to practice living with godly character. 

The last words of the Bible verse quoted in the song you just listened to are, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” The Apostle Paul wrote those words to a group of Christians who lived in a place called Philippi. He was saying that he had learned how to use skills that Jesus taught him. And when he used those skills, he felt Christ’s strength helping him to face whatever God called him to do. Sounds like Paul was ready for anything, all right. 

The skills Christ gives come from copying Him. He is love. And love has some amazing characteristics. You’ll read about those in 1 Corinthians today. And as your reading will teach you today—love can endure every circumstance. It never fails. It’s ready to face anything!

Tomorrow, you’ll learn more about how to let that godly character shine (gulp, or not!). Then, over the rest of the days of this Bible Plan, you’ll focus on two more kinds of godly character that will help you to live strong each day of your life: honesty and grit. 

You ready? Ready or not, this Bible Plan is here to help you practice godly character! 

Ask yourself: How would I describe my own character? In other words, what kind of character do I have? Do I have any of the godly characteristics found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7?

Challenge yourself: Think of one character trait of yours that you think is both pretty strong in you and also pretty godly. How can you use that trait to encourage someone else this week? 

Pray: God, thank You for teaching me how to be ready for anything. When I act like You, I become stronger and stronger. You give me the strength to be ready for whatever life may throw at me. Help me to develop Your character in myself more each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.