His Character in 2016

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

I just read this question: “Who is ready to build some character in 2016?” That’s a great question, isn’t it?  The same person posted an info-graphic that read: “Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed.” We can all certainly relate to making resolutions on January 1st which are all but forgotten within 2 weeks.

Let’s go back to the initial question: “Who is ready to build some character in 2016?”

To answer that question will require one to seek God, to perhaps ask the Holy Spirit to show what is impossible for us to catch sight of apart from the eyes of faith inspired by humble hearts before a holy God.

I’ll ask the question another way, are you mindful of aspects of your character that are in opposition to the very nature of God? You know what I mean. The ways and means that we all have of navigating the world we live in as unto ourselves rather than as God has clearly laid out in Scripture.

How well do you really see yourself? How rightly do you discern your soul—your mind, will and emotions? Are you keenly or not so keenly conscious concerning your need for some serious character development?

For me, not a day goes by that I don’t bump into ugly Stephanie. I’m sure some of you have met her. She isn’t so nice! In those moments I have two warring mindsets. One of them-the flesh–would set itself up more highly than it ought to and therefore, find a way to justify anything and everything I think, say or do. The obvious problem with this mindset is it’s ME in the middle, judging ME according to ME. Hence, ugly Stephanie.

The other mindset is the glorious mind of Christ in me given on the day of salvation and daily infusing this ME self with life, love and way of learning and being that is wholly set apart unto God.
MY way, is constantly, consistently and, praise God, faithfully being challenged to live as unto the LORD contrary to the dictates of my flesh. Flesh, which by the way will never diminish in its appetite to have its own way, to be the boss, to be right, to have the last word, to prevail with its own brand of wisdom, its own knowledge and understand of life, etc.

So again I ask you, “Who is ready to build some character in 2016?”

Beloved, if your response is, “Me Lord! Me! I’m ready!” May I ask you to join me and all the saints who’ve gone on before, to embark on a journey in this new year, of doing all we can to vigorously stand on the Lord’s side and choose His character above our own in 2016!

Stephanie Dale Paul