CHARACTER AT WHAT COST?
TAKE UP THE CROSS OF JESUS.
The Greek word for character is charakter (Khar-ak-tare').1 The definition for the term is a tool for engraving. The usage of the term is an impression, representation, or exact reproduction. When thinking about the usage of the term, ask yourself these questions.
Is the impression that others have of you a representation of holiness?
1 Peter 1:15-19 (AMPC)
15 But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. 16 For it is written, you shall be holy, for I am holy. 17 And if you call upon Him as [your] Father Who judges each one impartially according to what he does, [then] you should conduct yourselves with true reverence throughout the time of your temporary residence [on the earth, whether long or short]. 18 You must know (recognize) that you were redeemed (ransomed) from the useless (fruitless) way of living inherited by tradition from [your] forefathers, not with corruptible things [such as] silver and gold, 19 But [you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot.
Do you represent Christ well?
Matthew 5:13-16 (AMPC)
13 You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.
How important is it for you to reproduce the characteristics of your heavenly Father?
Genesis 1:27 (AMPC)
27 So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Godly character is costly and requires sacrifice daily. What are you willing to give up to being like your Father? What are you willing to change to follow your Father wholeheartedly? Are you at risk of forfeiting your life in the Kingdom of God?
Matthew 16:24-26 (AMPC)
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, if anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also]. 25 For whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life], and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting]. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life [his blessed life in the kingdom of God]? Or what would a man give as an exchange for his [blessed] life [in the kingdom of God]?
Reference
1. Strong, Strong's Concordance, s.v. "character," accessed 12 September 2024 via Bible Hub, https://biblehub.com/greek/5481.htm