THE MODEL OF CHARACTER IS GOD


God created us according to His character. True character is not determined by the changing values of society; it is measured by the absolute standard of who God is and what He's like. Your true character is the assimilation and expression of God's likeness. You were created as a vessel fit for noble purposes, to grow in His character.

Know God's traits, seek to conform your character to His, and learn a verse so that you will always have His reminder with you in times of decision:

  1. God is true and honest. I will always tell the truth, even when it's hard. I'll be honest with everyone I meet. I'll make sure that the way I tell the truth is kind and loving. Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ (Eph. 4:15).

  2. God is loving and compassionate. I will love people and treat them gently. I will be compassionate toward everyone I meet. If I make a mistake, I'll seek forgiveness and then go on working love into my life. Whether I'm a singer or an engineer, it is irrelevant to my character. Whatever I do, I'll do it in a loving and compassionate way. This is my command: love each other (John 15:17).

  3. God is generous and selfless. I'm going to serve others in my community. I'm going to be generous and give. I'll look to the needs of others and not just to my own. Command them to do good, to be right in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share (1 Tim 6:18).

  4. God is forgiving and merciful. It's part of my character, so, whatever happens, however people treat me, I will forgive. When people want something from me that they don't deserve, I'll be merciful and give it to them. I'll go the second mile for them. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievance you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Col. 3:13).

  5. God is trustworthy and faithful. Anyone who knows me will be able to trust me. I'll always do something kind. I'll do the right thing. I'll never do anything to hurt people intentionally. If I say I'm going to do something, I will. I'm faithful. I keep my word. That's what God is like and that's what I'm like. This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus (Rev. 14:12).

  6. God is just and impartial. When I'm making decisions, I won't show favoritism. I'm fair with everyone, no matter who they are. I'll always hear both sides of a story. I won't treat people differently because they're popular, or cool, or have money, or because they're different than I am. I treat everyone the same. I will love what is good and hate what is evil. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).

  7. God is holy. I'm going to keep myself from the sins of the world. I'm going to avoid things that are impure - that are not like God. I won't speak in an impure way or get involved in sinful things. That is my character and that doesn't change. If I make a mistake, I'll ask God to forgive me and help me be pure. I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship (Rom. 12:1).

Larry Burkett is founder and president of Christian Financial Concepts, a nonprofit ministry that teaches biblical principles of finance. He holds degrees in marketing and finance, as well as an honorary doctorate in economics. Larry's books include The Coming Economic Earthquake, Debt-free Living, Hope When it Hurts, and Women Leaving the Workplace. He and his wife, Judy, live in Gainsesville, Ga., and have four children and nine grandchildren.

For information about the ministry of Christian Financial Concepts, write to: Christian Financial Concepts, P.O. Box 2377, Gainesville, GA 30503-2377 or call: 1-800-722-1976.

Rick Osborne is creator and co-author of the series that began with 101 Questions Children Ask About God. Rick has also written Teaching Your Child How to Pray and Talking to Your Children About God, and co-authored Financial Parenting with Larry Burkett. He is the president of Lightwave Publishing. He and his wife, Elaine, live in British Columbia with their three children.

From Your Child Wonderfully Made by Larry Burkett and Rick Osborne, copyright (c) 1998. Used by permission on Moody Press, Chicago, Ill., 1-800-678-6928.

© 1997 vinebranch@hotmail.com

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