Character Formation ...

      As we have been studying so far on Character Development Series, a godly character is so important to a fulfilled Christian life. Therefore, it is now appropriate to raise a question ― "How can I grow into the fullness of Christ?" So often we know where to go but we don't know how to get there. The Bible teaches us about the process in a very profound way.

^"1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ²through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

      You can see in this passage four key words; tribulation, perseverance, character and hope. However, the word perseverance can better be understood if we study it as patience and perseverance.

HOPE

      First, you have to understand the way God works. He begins with hope. God speaks before He does things. This is the reason why faith is the essential part of a Christian life. In Romans 8:24 Paul the apostle said, "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?" and also concerning Abraham in Romans 4:18, "Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be." The only reason you want to see tomorrow is because you have some kind of hope.

      Imagine that you were promised by your rich friend that he would buy you a new automobile by the end of next month. You know that he is trustworthy and capable of doing what he said. What would you naturally feel? JOY. You would tell your family and close friends about it. You imagine yourself driving the new car. You feel happy about your day absolutely for no other reason but the promise. That's what happened when you were saved. You were so excited about it and you can't wait to tell every body the good news. Every morning comes with the aroma of fresh hope like a freshly brewed coffee. In Romans 12:12 Paul encouraging us to keep "…Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer, …"

      So you start your journey of character development with the hope of growing into the fullness of Christ Jesus as mentioned in Ephesians 4:13, "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

      According to Webster's Dictionary the word tribulation is defined as distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution; also: a trying experience. You may wonder how God can allow this to happen to His blood bought children? If you can get a pure gold without the use of a fire then you can nullify this principle. All men of God went through it and came out as intended. King David in Psalm 119:71 said, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." Here you can see that it is through pressure one's character is created. Peter also affirms this principle in 1 Peter 1:6-7, "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."

      The Bible, even more, strikes a chord in James 1:2-3, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." For the 21st century person, this might mean "Forget it!" and yet it is impossible for God to lower His standard. You can get to where God says only by carefully following His road map. The writer of Hebrews tells us about how Jesus learned obedience in chapter 5 verse 8, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." If Jesus had to go through this, how much more do we!

PATIENCE

The word patient means to be able to bear long waiting or anything unpleasant, calmly and without complaining, according to The All  Nations English Dictionary. Patience is your attitude when you go through a trial. You can complain or you can be thankful in the circumstance that you are in. In James 1:4 the apostle shares wisdom with us by saying, "… let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." Patience brings completeness into your life. It closes the door at the enemy's face. It is also the fruit of the spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22.

When the Bible says be patient, it should be in the following manner:

1.       Bearing one another in love. Ephesians 4:2, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Love keeps our heart pure at all times. (NIV)

2.       With great expectation. Isaiah 40:31, "But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired." (Amplified) Notice that patience with the right kind of attitude draws strength from the Lord.

Patience is so often tempting because you might see others flourishing in their own ways. But the Psalmist in the 37th chapter and verse 7 advises us to "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass." The most encouraging statement that I can make is "Your patience is not for the problem it is for God and He will definitely show up in due time."

The meaning of this word is a continual steady effort made to fulfill some purpose, to continue firmly in spite of difficulties. It involves faithfulness, commitment, a firm stand and to bravely face the circumstance without fear. Every athlete understands this word or otherwise there is no prize! Hebrew 10:36 reads, "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." Here you can clearly see that perseverance ― promise, no perseverance ― no promise.

The word of God compliment a person with such character in James 1:12, "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."

The above four points are the stepping stones to your character formation. By now you are an approved, a tested and seasoned believer. Christ can become visible in your life in many ways. Paul counsels Timothy in 2 Tim. 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."