Keys to Building Character

Our world today is seriously lacking in character. It seems some people will do whatever it takes to get what they want, even if it means cutting corners or possibly hurting others in the process.

What is character? According to Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of character is “moral or ethical strength: integrity.”¹

I often say there are a lot of people who have charisma but no character. The truth is, you and I may have gifts and talents that can take us places, but if we don’t have character, we won’t stay there for very long.

As a young woman, I knew that God had placed a gift inside of me to teach His Word. In fact, I was often frustrated in those early years because I wanted the opportunity to teach more than just 10 or 12 people in my home Bible study.

However, the Lord helped me to eventually understand that being a great teacher involves much more than having gifts and talents. It also requires character, and this is something God helps us to develop over time.

Now it seems perfectly clear. In those early days, if God would have given me everything I wanted—if I would have instantly had a worldwide ministry—I probably would have hurt more people than I helped because my character wasn’t fully developed. I knew all the right things to say, but I didn’t have the character to back it up.

Character is revealed by what we do when nobody is watching. It’s one thing to say or do all the right things in public. But God also sees what we do “behind closed doors.”

The truth is, many people are people pleasers but not God pleasers. They will do the right thing when somebody is watching them, but they won’t do the right thing when nobody sees but God.

As Christians, our commitment should be, “I am going to do the right thing simply because it is right.”

Let’s take this one step further. Character is also seen when we do the right thing to others even when the right thing isn’t happening to us.

For instance, will we treat someone right who is not treating us right? Will we stay committed to loving and serving others even during our hard times? Will we choose to be good to someone who can’t do anything for us in return?

This can be so difficult, but that’s why we need the help of the Holy Spirit in our lives to grow and become more like Jesus in our attitudes and actions. 

First Peter 2:22-23 (NIV) says, “He [Jesus] committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

Jesus is the ultimate example. No one has ever been treated more unfairly than He was, yet He never wavered from being a person of character.

Again, we can’t do this on our own. Building character takes time and requires a deep, personal relationship with God. As we read and study His Word and spend time with Him, we are changed from the inside out. Slowly but surely, we become more like Him and begin to reflect His character in our lives.

Live with Excellence and Integrity

As Christians, God has called us to live by a different standard. He wants us to live with integrity and excellence—not just to make ourselves look good, but to glorify Him.

Integrity is defined as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.”²

In order to serve others with integrity and honesty, we will have to fight for it. God’s Word tells us that although we live in the world, we are not of the world (see John 15:19). Society’s ways often include dishonesty and manipulation to obtain places of greatness or to get ahead. However, if we acquire a position that way, we will have to keep our position the same way.

On the other hand, if we focus on maintaining our integrity and allow God to promote us in His timing, then He will keep us there.

I can still recall the emotional turmoil I experienced years ago when a man I worked for asked me to do something dishonest. He wanted me to change our financial books so that a customer would not receive the credit owed to him. I thought for sure I would lose my job if I refused.

I really struggled with the decision, but deep down I knew what to do. So, I finally got up the courage, walked into my boss’s office and told him that I couldn’t cheat the customer—that I didn’t believe it was right. Although my boss was irritated with me when I told him, he didn’t fire me like I thought. In fact, I ended up getting several promotions during the time I worked for that company.

Because I chose to walk in integrity, my boss knew he could trust me. God feels the same way about us when we choose to walk in integrity—He can trust us with great opportunities to lead and serve. I can honestly say that if I didn’t walk in integrity then, I’m not sure if I would be in a place of leadership now.

In a similar way, God calls us to be people of excellence. Second Peter 1:3 tells us, His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence (ESV).

What is excellence? It simply means to go the extra mile or to exceed the requirements. People of excellence don’t just do what’s asked of them in the quickest and easiest way possible. They go beyond what you expect.

It’s refreshing to be around someone who is excellent because they’re constantly surprising you by over-delivering. They not only impress you with their performance, but they also win you over with their attitude.

You might think, Joyce, I don’t know if I have what it takes to live that way.

I understand this thinking. However, it’s important to remember that God will never ask you to do something that He hasn’t already given you the ability to do. Your part is to focus on what you can do and then trust God to do the rest.

God can give you ideas, inspiration and wisdom, but He won’t do your part for you. Your part is to love people, to have a great attitude and to be faithful and consistent. When you choose to go the extra mile and live with excellence, God will get right in the middle of your efforts and do things you were never expecting. 

Excellence and integrity always start “small” when no one else is watching. These little things are the testing grounds for our character, and they are tremendously important.

Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…” (Luke 16:10 NIV). So, if you’re waiting for something big to happen in your life, then start right now to give your best in all of the little things!

We all desire to make progress as soon as possible. However, while we’re trusting God to build our career and reputation, the greatest thing we can do is build our character. Because when He can trust us in the small things, there is no limit to what He can do in and through our lives.

1. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (New College Edition) 1976
2. www.google.com