Memorize: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch; Acts 11:26.
Devotional Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-18
What is character? It is the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. The identity of each individual is associated with his\her character. Our character is the biggest asset that we have, especially as Christians, there is a distinctive character that is expected of us as believers, that is why if a believer behave in a way that is unexpected, people will say “And he call himself a Christian” “And she call herself a Christian” This is a damming statement, it means the individual have berated the expected standard of a Christian.
As Christians there is a minimum standard of behaviour expected of us which can only be attained with a Christian Character, as a result we must pursue Christian Character vigorously, why? Because; it is the biggest and best thing we can ever have, there is nothing bigger or better in life than possessing Christian Character. Joseph obtained favour in Egypt due to his Christian Character, he rose from a prisoner and became the second in command to the king in the nation. Daniel obtained favour in Babylon, he rose from slave boy to become the governor in the mega kingdom as a result of his commendable Christian Character. Reverend Billy Graham became friend to all USA presidents from president Harry S Truman the 33rd USA president in 1950, Rev Graham was 31 years old at this time; he continued to be good friend to every USA president that ruled America until president Donald Trump who was the 45th president of United States of America, this was made possible due to the Christian Character that Rev Billy Graham had.
Our good character contribute largely to our success in life especially a Christian Character. There is no employer that would be pleased to lose an employee with Christian Character, because they can be trusted either in finance or in diligence.
How and when do we start to pursue Christian Character? We can only start to pursue Christian Character when we give our lives to Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:17; Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. The bible makes it clear that becoming a Christian is more than adopting a new Philosophy of life, it is not just civility or morality, it is a way of life which starts from having a new mind, according to Romans 12: 1&2; when you are born again, you immediately begin to think differently from the old ways to such an extent that your new behaviour may seem strange, even to you. Out of the blue, you suddenly have new standards, you begin to measure everything you do in line with the word of God, you begin to desire the urge to grow and conform to the image of Christ.
The main hub that form the basis of Christian Character is – hunger for righteousness, while the component parts that produces righteousness are: purity, honesty, justice, love, humility and service to humanity. All these are the components that were found in the life of Jesus when he was here on earth and in the lives of the disciples which made people call them Christians in Antioch.
I pray that you will emulate Christ and his faithful disciples by living a life that will make people call you a Christian not because you go to church regularly, or because you wear nice dress, or because you preach on the pulpit; but because of your character.
May the LORD give you Christian Character in Jesus name.
Prayer point: O LORD, please help me build, develop and preserve a Christian Character in Jesus name.
Key Dose: Remember, you are the example that the world looks to.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor
In His Presence Christ Tabernacle