Character is the Key to Greatness

Posted by Ardy Parlin on 5 February 2010 | 1 Comments

Tags: Character

The Key to Greatness Is not found in position or power but in character. Of course, this thought is contrary to what we hear and see in our culture. But we should not be surprised that the teachings of the Word are far different from the world. Jesus often asked His disciples, "where did you hear that?" and He was referring to some human, worldly response to a life situation.

Many, including Christians, have become brainwashed by the philosophies of the world. This has affected our lifestyles, conduct and behavior, responses, words and life. It's like going into a restaurant that is dark. At first we are bothered by the darkness, but after a few minutes, our eyes become adjusted to the dark, and we become comfortable. This has happened in many areas of our lives, including an inordinate focus on position and power. As Vance Havner said many years ago, "We have become comfortable in the dark," and he was not talking about the restaurant.

Scriptures remind us that CHARACTER is the key to greatness. Character that is based in a personal relationship with Christ and committed to living out the truths of God's Word on a daily basis is REAL GREATNESS. Instead of pushing, shoving and manipulating for power and position, we should be focused on becoming more like Christ and demonstrating the Fruit of the Spirit of God in and through our life.

II Peter 1:1-12 lists some crucial areas of character that are to be cultivated and developed in our lives. This passage reminds us to give "all diligence to add" these things to our lives. They are: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. This passage reminds us that if we continue in these things, our lives will not be "barren nor unfruitful." Wow...what a promise!

So, let's get to work. We begin by checking to see if these characteristics are demonstrated in our lives, and if we are living in obedience to the Word. But we are not commanded in Scripture just to "check" on these things, but to cultivate and development these characteristics in our lives.

How?

First: Examine your life.
Second: Be honest about what you know is true.
Third: Confess the sins that God brings to your attention.
Fourth: Aggressively work on these godly characteristics to be strengthened in your life.
Fifth: Pray for God's strength and wisdom.
Sixth: Spend time in the Word and waiting on God DAILY.
Seventh: Look and be ready for ways to live out the truths God is teaching you.

Be careful, do not get drawn into a "worldly, human" philosophy of living and greatness. Rather follow and obey the Word and live to make a difference.

Check out these passages: Matthew 20:20-29, II Corinthians 7:1