21 October | Youth

Character

«We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.» Romans 5:3-4

It's not easy to be different, especially when most people are content to be like everyone else. A noble character distinguishes a person from others. And a young man of character is priceless. It “cannot be bought or sold.” Character is a moral identity. You have it, or you don't. The Almighty Builder lays the foundations of our character, but we build the building. Ellen White says: “The mind is the garden; the character is the fruit. […] Our own course determines our character” (Mind, Character and Personality, v. 2, p. 545).

Character is not inherited. It is built through the training we receive. Character is something that is formed and imprinted over time within us, a true mark forged by parents and family members. Character is not forged overnight; it is a lifelong work. This means that, to get an idea of a person's character, we cannot take some isolated actions as a basis. We have to look at all of their life. Also, it is not instantaneous work. We are used to speed. It doesn't work like that with character. Every influence we receive, every habit we acquire, every choice we make, every attitude we take enters our moral DNA, for better or for worse.

Character is like a watermark that distinguishes and differentiates one person from another. Some say that “first impression lasts.” But, in order to know someone's character, we need time and coexistence. The apostle Paul says that the believer uses life experiences to improve character. He even presents a natural sequence of development: tribulations, perseverance, character and hope. Everything that happens in our lives makes us better if we allow the Holy Spirit to impress upon us the “approved character” of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for this blessing in your life today.