Articles
Building Biblical Character
As Christians in today's world, building biblical character means following Christ. I John 2:6 tells us that whoever abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.
But what is biblical character? Character is defined as what makes a person distinct from others. Add biblical to that definition and it would be whatever God deems should make a person distinct from others. We can find the tools to build biblical character by looking at the life of Christ.
Christ demonstrated many different qualities that we are to imitate while on our journey to build bible character:
- Christ showed purity (1 Peter 2:22). We should strive to avoid temptation that could lead to sin. Everyone sins and falls short of the glory of God, but we should ask for forgiveness, learn from our mistakes, and continue to be Christ-like.
- Christ showed the greatest example of love by dying on the cross for our sins. Striving to have love for others means being selfless.
- Christ showed compassion (Matthew 9:36). We can show compassion by noticing when others are in need and caring about their situation and problems.
- Christ was a servant. In Mark 10:45 Jesus says that the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve. We can serve our brothers and sisters in Christ by helping someone in need, praying, and asking if they need help.
- Christ showed the greatest example of forgiveness when he said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” as he was hanging on the cross. We need to have this same mentality in forgiving others.
As Christians, since we are striving to be like Christ, we should be drawn to the same attributes of Christ. Building biblical character isn't something that happens overnight. As we mature in faith and wisdom, building biblical character is something that we understand as necessary. Paul had the right idea in mind when he told Timothy to exercise himself towards godliness (1 Timothy 4:7). Exercising ourselves towards godliness means acting like Christ.
There are only two decisions: you can follow Christ or you can follow the devil. There is no in-between. You can say you love God, but if you do not follow His will and His example, you do not truly believe in Him or love Him. As Jesus himself said, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you” (Luke 6:46)?
