In a time when there is clearly a large focus on performance, talent and production when it comes to ministry and even the Christian life, the truth is that character still matters deeply and when we neglect it, the results are tragic!
Sadly, many people have paid great attention to external displays of religious behavior and activity while neglecting inward purity. Again, the results of this are tragic as we have witnessed moral failure time and time again over the years, even among well-known Christian leaders. The collateral damage of their neglect to steward godly character in their lives has oftentimes resulted in negatively affecting those under their influence, while some have unfortunately completely walked away from the faith.
The Word of God is very clear that we are to live lives that reflect the nature of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul makes this obvious in Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) where he states the following: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
The behavioral attributes that Paul lays out in Galatians 5 are reflective of the character of Christ and we are obligated to embrace them on an incessant basis. The fact is that who we are is much more important than how we appear to be or how others think that we are. Our inner lives define who we really are and even though we might succeed in fooling others, we cannot deny our true character, or lack thereof, and we clearly cannot our true selves from the Lord.
When it comes to character, it is important to know that it is the seat of our moral being. In other words, our character is what guides our daily lives including the decisions that we make and even how we treat other people.
Let me encourage you to listen to my “Maintain the Flame” podcast this week where I share some key thoughts on character. Prepare to be challenged and encouraged as you listen to this important episode titled, “We Need Godly Character (Pt. 2).” {eoa}
Keith Collins is the founder of Generation Impact Ministries and Impact Global Fellowship. He is actively involved in itinerant ministry, teaching and writing. In recent years, Keith served as the president of the Brownsville Revival School of Ministry and as the director of FIRE School of Ministry, which were both born out of the Brownsville Revival in Pensacola, Florida. His recent books, Samuels Arising: Waking Up to God’s Prophetic Call and A World Without Absolutes: Discerning the Perils of Postmodern Thought are now available on Amazon, and his podcast, titled Maintain the Flame, can be heard on iTunes and at cpnshows.com. You can contact Keith via his websites at keith-collins.org or impactgf.org.
