GLIMPSES OF TRUE CHARACTER
How do we evaluate a person's character? How do we get past image and reputation to catch a glimpse of who a person really is? As we evaluate someone's character (including our own), we need to carefully observe three areas--how the individual relates to God, the way he or she treats others, and the way this person disciplines his or her personal life. These areas are like windows into a person's character. "As the daylight can be seen through very small holes, so little things will illustrate a person's character," writes Samuel Smiles. "Indeed, character consists in little acts, well and honorably performed." Let's look at some of the "little acts" that can tell us more about a person. 1. How a Person Relates to God A person's relationship to God is the defining relationship in his or her life--when this relationship is out of order, every other relationship will suffer. Scripture plainly states that a Christian should not even consider a nonChristian for a spouse. "Don't team up with those who are unbelievers," the Bible says (2 Corinthians 6:14, NLT). Both you and the person you marry must have a dynamic, growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The question is not merely "Are you and a potential spouse saved?" but rather "Are both of you in love with Jesus Christ? Will you place Him even before each other?" "This is one of those beautiful paradoxes of biblical truth," write David Powlison and John Yenchkq. "If you love and want your spouse more than anything, you will end up selfish, fearful, bitter, or disillusioned. If you love Jesus more than anything else, you will really love and enjoy your spouse. You will be someone worth marrying!" Once in a conversation about relationships, two Christian girls told me that they find focus on God one of the most attractive qualities in a guy. "It's obvious when he really loves the Lord," my friend Sarah said. "When he's telling you about his love for God, you can tell that he's not distracted by you." "Exactly!" affirmed Jayme. "It's funny because the guys that really go out of their way to impress girls don't impress me at all. They make me nauseated." Look for, and work on becoming, a man .or woman who, as a single, seeks God wholeheartedly, putting Him before anything else. Don't worry about impressing the opposite sex. Instead, strive to please and glorify God. Along the way you'll catch the attention of people with the same priorities.
How do we evaluate a person's character? How do we get past image and reputation to catch a glimpse of who a person really is? As we evaluate someone's character (including our own), we need to carefully observe three areas--how the individual relates to God, the way he or she treats others, and the way this person disciplines his or her personal life. These areas are like windows into a person's character. "As the daylight can be seen through very small holes, so little things will illustrate a person's character," writes Samuel Smiles. "Indeed, character consists in little acts, well and honorably performed." Let's look at some of the "little acts" that can tell us more about a person. 1. How a Person Relates to God A person's relationship to God is the defining relationship in his or her life--when this relationship is out of order, every other relationship will suffer. Scripture plainly states that a Christian should not even consider a nonChristian for a spouse. "Don't team up with those who are unbelievers," the Bible says (2 Corinthians 6:14, NLT). Both you and the person you marry must have a dynamic, growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The question is not merely "Are you and a potential spouse saved?" but rather "Are both of you in love with Jesus Christ? Will you place Him even before each other?" "This is one of those beautiful paradoxes of biblical truth," write David Powlison and John Yenchkq. "If you love and want your spouse more than anything, you will end up selfish, fearful, bitter, or disillusioned. If you love Jesus more than anything else, you will really love and enjoy your spouse. You will be someone worth marrying!" Once in a conversation about relationships, two Christian girls told me that they find focus on God one of the most attractive qualities in a guy. "It's obvious when he really loves the Lord," my friend Sarah said. "When he's telling you about his love for God, you can tell that he's not distracted by you." "Exactly!" affirmed Jayme. "It's funny because the guys that really go out of their way to impress girls don't impress me at all. They make me nauseated." Look for, and work on becoming, a man .or woman who, as a single, seeks God wholeheartedly, putting Him before anything else. Don't worry about impressing the opposite sex. Instead, strive to please and glorify God. Along the way you'll catch the attention of people with the same priorities.
Comments
Post a Comment