Is Your Character Showing?

How do you determine a man’s character? Is it how he treats other people? Or how he acts in his home? I’m going to propose it’s everything that a man does. The way he acts and how he treats people in every situation all of the time defines a man’s character.

Jonathan Haidt and colleagues propose that human beings have six different areas of moral concern: care, fairness, liberty, loyalty, authority, and purity (DividedWeFall). If I could add one it would be character.

The verses in Titus shown below give us a brief look at the qualities of an elder and really what all Christians should strive for. His heart will be geared towards loving others and showing mercy to all. Service will be at the forefront of his heart and mind.

Titus 2:7-8  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

In Samuel we see the dichotomy between men and God. While man can only see the outward actions of others God sees every man’s heart. Knowing what is in it and what it desires.

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

In the Romans verses below the ESV translation,and others, use character in place of experience. Our experiences produce our character over time. It develops from the things we learn when we go through trials and tribulations.

Romans 5:3-5  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

My character has dramatically changed in the last 4 years. God has definitely worked a miracle with how I was before and how I am now. It’s amazing what can happen when the Holy Spirit dwells in your life and mind. It’s great when I see someone I knew 5 years ago and they immediately recognize the change in me. My wants and desires are nothing like they used to be, praise God for that!

So here’s a brief sentence on how to determine a man’s character:

His actions towards other people when no one is looking and when he’s around everyone will be the same.

I hope this helps someone and God bless.