Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Proven character

Romans 5:5

“We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

How do we develop a Christlike character?

Character is the springboard to a successful life. Developing a godly character in the face of our daily struggles is essential to having a more intimate relationship with Christ. Character is not just having integrity or being honest or even doing the right thing. A person’s character is the sum of his or her disposition, thoughts, intentions, desires, and actions. It is good to remember that character is developed over many experiences, not based on a few isolated actions.

Romans 5:5 says that our character develops from experiences of conflicts and tribulations. God uses trying times for our ultimate good.

Moreover, we are reminded in the Scripture that we can rejoice in trials because trials produce perseverance and perseverance produce Christ-like character and Christ-like character is a proven character, which leads to eternal hope.

Proven character comes from the word “dokime” in Greek. It is used to describe metals that had been tested and determined to be pure. The idea behind is that when metal is put through a fiery test and it comes out on the other side “persevering and enduring,” that metal is now proven to be genuine or authentic.

The same process happens when our faith is tested. If we persevere and hold up under the heavy load of difficult circumstances, we have “proven” that our faith and character are genuine and authentic.

One Minute Reflection

What tribulation God uses that shows your real character?

“The measure of every man’s virtue is best revealed in time of adversity—adversity that does not weaken a man but rather shows what he is.” – Thomas Kempis

Excerpt from Tracy Fox, Having A Heart For God Devotional: 365 Days of the One Minute Bible Study.

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