Rod Handley, director of the ministry Character That Counts, has devoted his life’s work to helping people grow in character. He encourages people to, as Merriam-Webster’s puts it, exude “moral excellence and firmness.”
In his book Team Studies on Character, Handley lists traits embedded in the essence of 1 Timothy 4:16, which exhorts us to “Keep a close watch on how you live. . . . Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” Here are some of the traits and what they mean:
Alertness: Being keenly aware of the events taking place around me so that I can properly respond to them.
Benevolence: Giving to others’ basic needs without expectations of personal reward.
Forgiveness: Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not holding past offenses against them.
Generosity: Realizing that all I have belongs to God and freely giving to benefit others.
Holiness: Having no blemish or stain. Being whole with no trace of regret or remorse.
Loyalty: Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to others or to what is right.
Responsibility: Knowing and doing what’s expected of me.
Self-Control: Bringing my thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes into constant obedience in order to benefit others.
Worship: Honoring God reverently.
Today, consider how you can increasingly implement these character qualities into your life, to the glory of God (Philippians 1:11).
More:
• 1 Corinthians 15:33
• Galatians 5:22
• Hebrews 1:3
Next:
Pick two of the character traits in the devo and apply them to a situation you’re facing. How does God grow our character? Why?
unclegene on October 19, 2010 at 11:14 am
What a difference it would make in this country if every Born Again Christian would fully accomplish the nine traits above. I am finding that I’m not getting A’s on any of them, so please pray for me.
cuddles on October 19, 2010 at 12:29 pm
What troubles me is that I see many of these characteristics in people who do not even think of them as christians!