Faith is the first evidence
of spiritual character. It is a gift from God (Romans
8:28-30; Ephesians 1:3-6, 2:8). Faith is not only the foundation for our beliefs, but it is also the
basis for our Christian behavior. Without faith, it is impossible to please God
(Hebrews
11:6). Our faith is based upon the Word
of God (2 Peter 1:4; Romans
10:8,17). Our diligent faith is tested, proven,
and strengthened by the trials and adversity God allows to come into our life (1 Peter
1:6-7). The life Christ lived gives us a
good example of what faith really looks like.
As we live in faith, we
pursue moral excellence. This comes by focusing on whatever is true, honorable,
right, pure, lovely, excellent, of a good reputation and worthy of praise. We
allow our mind to dwell only on these things (Philippians
4:8). God enables us to take part in His
divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). He
helps us to put on the new man, which is made in the likeness of God and has
been created in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians
1:13-23, 4:17-25).
Walking in moral excellence
produces an intimate knowledge of God, which is revealed through reading the
Word and allowing it to be an integral part of our life. Our mind is
transformed by the true knowledge from God’s Word. This knowledge is communicated to our spirit by the Holy Spirit (John
17:17; Romans
12:1-2; Ephesians
4:17-24; Colossians 1:9-11; 1
Corinthians 2:6-16; Ephesians 1:17). We
are filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and
understanding, so we can walk in moral excellence and bear Godly fruit (Colossians
1:9-10; Galatians 5:22-23).
Once we have moral
excellence and knowledge, we can exhibit self-control. Self-control is the
opposite of self-indulgence, which allows our appetites to enslave us (1 Peter
1:14; Ephesians 2:1-3). Sin uses our
flesh to keep us in bondage (Romans 7:14-21).
Christ living in us causes us to live in freedom as slaves of righteousness
instead. Self-control leads to obedience resulting in righteous perseverance (Romans
6:15-18; Romans
8:12-13; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). As we
determine in our heart to persevere in the pursuit of godly character, even
when we suffer for doing so, this leads us to holiness and godliness.
Godliness is much like moral
excellence. It is the way we live day in and day out. We develop godliness as
we allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify our soul. Therefore, as we put off our old
way of living and put on the new character of Christ, we are holy, even as He
is holy (Colossians 3:8-10; 1 Peter
1:14-16). As we persists in doing what
is right, even though doing so may produce hardships or a broken heart, we reap
the benefits of the Godliness that we sow.
Brotherly kindness is the
manifestation of affection from one saint for all the other Believers
world-wide (1 Peter 1:22). This
is “phileo” love and forms friendships, which last for eternity. This love is
based on our common love for God and our shared relationship with Christ, and
is fueled by the Holy Spirit. Jesus breaks down all barriers, which would
otherwise divide us. He reconciles us all into one Body through the cross (Ephesians
2:11-16). We feel His love for our
fellow believers in our heart, and we act on it.
Agape love is the highest
form of love. It is God’s love for us, which is manifest in Christ’s sacrifice
on the cross (John 3:16). God
wants to pour out this love in us by His Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Paul speaks of this love in flowery words and names
it as the greatest of Christian virtues (1
Corinthians 13:13). Love is the result
of faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness
and brotherly kindness.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You gave us
everything we need to develop Godly character. You pour out Your love on us so
that we, in turn, can share that love in action with both sinners and those of
the household of the faith. Lead us by Your love to do Your will and to walk in
spiritual character.
Thought for the Day:
Salvation requires nothing
but faith; however, once we are saved, we prove our faith by our works. –
Ephesians 2:8-10