There’s a whole section of published books called “self-help” books. Some of these resources have helpful information. Others – not-so-much. Some topics are – habits, leadership, rest, self-care, and many more. Interestingly, I happen to know a very effective book that covers the entire spectrum of your life – all topics! Further, it provides focus points to improve your character.
What’s The Original Design Of Character?
Character matters! Today’s material focuses on how to improve character.
The book I recommend provides action points. Frankly, these are much better than anything you find in “self-help” books. They improve your character to be like Christ’s. So – what is this book? Huge surprise! It’s the Bible.
Let’s start with the original designer of excellent character – God. Strategically, His design became “viewable” when Jesus became a person. “You see Jesus – you see God.” Said more eloquently from Scripture – “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (Jn. 14:9)
Incidentally, since you’re made in God’s image, you have capacity for Christ’s character. Plus, you have His life as a model. Thankfully, you also have the book I highly recommend – your Bible.
When you walk closely with God, you also live effectively. You can accomplish your life purpose. Plus, you find fulfillment and joy. Also, you are empowered to improve your character.
How Do You Improve Character?
Quality character doesn’t “just happen.” It must be pursued and developed. Actually, it’s a fulltime pursuit – and it takes discipline and resolve.
Before we list ten qualities that improve character, let’s take a broad view of excellent character in general that includes several helpful ideas.
Eternal Principles
First, aim for “eternal” principles. Essentially, they need to be qualities that will last. Matter of fact, as you put a fine-point on them, these eternal principles literally improve your character. That’s good news! When you invest time and energy into principles that last forever, you benefit.
“Buy-in“
Second, you need “buy-in” on excellent character. Taking ownership means you partner with God by investing in your own life. At times, you may fail, perhaps even sin. But closing in on Christ-like character is an adventure and a worthwhile investment.
Humble And Honest
Third, be humble and honest as you work to improve your character. If you fail, humbly admit it. Be honest – rather than defend a failure – while attempting to make it look like a success.
Resolve
Finally, you need resolve and discipline to pursue Christlike character. Afterall, Jesus says it best. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away.” (Mt. 24:35; Mk. 13:31; Lk. 21:33) So, anytime you resolve to adopt what He endorses – you benefit.
Impeccable Character
Life has many difficulties. Interestingly, these challenges provide training ground to develop excellent character. Actually, God wants you to nurture His character inside you.
God has impeccable character. Remarkably, you can have His character increasingly. But that means resolve to pursue Christ above everything. In that process, you gain access to His secrets.
It’s hard to picture being like God who you can’t even see! Remarkably, folks who accept God’s invitation into intimate relationship by faith actually begin to look more like Jesus each day.
Ten Action Points To Improve Your Character
Notably, when God speaks into your life and you respond to Him, you get power to grow. However, each point you learn requires your actions. Thankfully, each is practical and fairly easy to practice. Now let’s look at ten action points to improve character. Interestingly, each of these starts with “C.”
1. Conviction
God’s Word puts a moral compass in front of you to provide direction for your life. Further, God’s ways and principles define reality. His ways also help you know right from wrong. Incidentally, you are functioning with conviction when you follow God’s moral compass.
Conviction means –
- Realizing when you’re wrong.
- Identifying patterns not pleasing to God – or helpful to you.
- Speaking God’s words over your own.
- Living consistently as a Jesus follower.
You can be under conviction OR you can also live with conviction.
Being a person of conviction keeps you from sin. It also makes you a good neighbor in your community and this world. Of course, being a person under conviction opens the door to cleansing, healing, and transformation.
So – be a person of conviction!
2. Confession
Rom. 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Simultaneously, Jas.2:18 says, “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
Apparently, whatever you confess needs to be both verbal and non-verbal. By your words and actions, what are you confessing today? What changes need to take place to match your “confessions” with God’s? Choosing confessions that please God makes you a person of credibility.
So – be a person of confession!
3. Connection
Have you ever felt disconnected? That’s not God’s original design. He created people to be connected –
- To Himself.
- To others.
You are not an island. Actually, you need others. Conversely, others need you. Connection helps you partner-up to be more aware and more effective. Most importantly, connection to God’s Spirit and God’s Word gives you keys for living an Alive and Active Life.
So – be a person of connection!
4. Companionship
We touched on companionship in the section, “connection.” But healthy companionship is more. This is a sharing of events, interests, responsibilities, and life. So, carefully select companions.
Remarkably, God wants to be your most intimate companion. What an honor. Subsequently, you find yourself becoming more like Jesus as you spend time in His “company.” Plus, it makes you a better companion to others.
So – be a person of companionship!
5. Communication
How many conflicts or problems occur simply because of poor communication? Thankfully, this can be fixed. However, it takes thought, consideration, an open mind, – and prayer.
Good communication increases your character exponentially. Every time you engage excellent (or at least improved) communication, you increase your personal development. Others can depend on you. Also, trust grows between you and other parties. Clarity is one of the most valuable qualities of communication.
So – be a person of communication!
6. Commitment
How often have you started an endeavor . . . and next thing you know, that pursuit has slipped off? Commitment is a critical quality needed for mature character. However, commitment requires resolve and discipline.
Don’t you appreciate when your co-workers, friends, and family show commitment to endeavors and/or relationship you have with them? To projects? To promises they’ve committed to?
Actually, for “lack of commitment,” many people have lost their jobs. Or their friends. Even their family.
So – be a person of commitment!
7. Comfort
You need comfort. So do I. In fact, everyone does. This world is broken. Sadly, life can be quite painful at times. Truly, you end up in circumstances you never thought you’d be in. Often, you don’t even know how to move forward. How should you address your undesirable circumstances?
Remember – God says He’s close to you in this place. Ps. 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Plus, He’s promised to comfort you no matter what.
Strategically, you can be a comfort to others, too. This helps our world grow in kindness instead of anger and retribution.
So – be a person willing to accept (and give) God’s comfort!
8. Creative Living
Did you know being creative is also excellent character? Many discoveries and much progress has come from people simply being creative. Daily life looks more hopeful when you get creative. Plus, it’s more fun!
Creative living helps you nurture your own soul. Plus, it adds freshness to relationships. Interestingly, it also develops your character to look more like the creative God who created all things.
So – be a person of creativity!
9. Courage
Too often, people live in fear. It’s sad to see potential evaporate because of the paralyzing power of fear.
Courage takes intentional engagement when you face a problem or risk. The danger may still be present. But courage propels you forward in the face of fear. Plus, courage marks you as a person of admirable character.
People who live with courage are ordinary – just like you. Yet, courage makes them extraordinary.
So – be a person of courage!
10. Confidence
Have you watched confident people? They look, carry themselves, and function with a certain calm strength. That’s confidence.
You can have assurance in yourself even though you are not perfect. Why not cast your vote of confidence in what God can do in and through you? If you can’t trust yourself – trust God. He will grow you!
So – be a person of confidence!
Application Thoughts And Questions
Your application is the Ten “C” Action Points that improve your character! Review them and take them to heart.
- Conviction
- Confession
- Connection
- Companionship
- Communication
- Commitment
- Comfort
- Creative Living
- Courage
- Confidence
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