Embracing Change: Discovering and Nurturing Our Strengths

 

Summary

Change is an inevitable part of life, and today, we are reminded of the profound opportunity we have to become better versions of ourselves. As we journey through this day, we are encouraged to reflect on who we are at our best. This involves recognizing our strengths and virtues, as well as acknowledging our weaknesses and areas for growth. The key is to not dwell solely on our flaws but to focus on the positive attributes that God has uniquely placed within us.

The concept of character strengths is explored through the lens of the VIA survey, a tool developed by psychologists to identify 24 universal character strengths admired across cultures and religions. This survey encourages us to identify our "signature strengths"—those qualities that define us at our best. By understanding these strengths, we can better align our actions with our true selves and live more fulfilling lives.

Abraham Lincoln serves as a powerful example of character formation. His commitment to keeping his resolves, once made, was a defining aspect of his character. This dedication to character over personality or talent is a lesson for us all. Lincoln's ability to make and keep deep resolves not only shaped his life but also had a profound impact on the nation.

We are invited to consider what the "gem" of our character is. This is not about self-congratulation but about recognizing the unique thumbprint God has placed on us. Whether it's humility, humor, or another strength, these qualities are what make us who we are. By identifying and nurturing these strengths, we can use them in various contexts, whether at home, work, or in our communities.

Today, let us carry with us the word that resonates most deeply as our character strength. Let us ask God to clarify and cultivate this quality in our lives, using it to bring about positive change in ourselves and those around us. Change starts today, and with God's help, we can become the people we are meant to be.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Change with God's Help: Change is a constant, and with God's assistance, we can transform for the better. By the end of each day, we are different from when we began, and this transformation is an opportunity to grow closer to the person God intends us to be. [00:47]

2. Identify Your Signature Strengths: The VIA survey helps us discover our unique character strengths, which are admired across cultures and religions. By focusing on these strengths, we can align our actions with our true selves and live more fulfilling lives. [02:24]

3. Learn from Historical Examples: Abraham Lincoln's dedication to character over personality or talent teaches us the importance of keeping our resolves. His commitment to character formation had a profound impact on his life and the nation, reminding us of the power of deep resolve. [07:37]

4. Recognize Your Unique Thumbprint: Each of us has a unique character strength that defines us at our best. By identifying and nurturing this strength, we can use it to bring about positive change in various contexts, whether at home, work, or in our communities. [08:48]

5. Cultivate Your Character Strengths: Carry with you the word that resonates most deeply as your character strength. Ask God to clarify and cultivate this quality in your life, using it to bring about positive change in yourself and those around you. [10:45]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:37] - The Opportunity for Change
- [01:00] - Who Are You at Your Best?
- [01:27] - Acknowledging Weaknesses
- [02:24] - Introduction to VIA Survey
- [03:23] - Universal Character Strengths
- [04:40] - List of 24 Character Strengths
- [06:03] - Self-Assessment and Reflection
- [06:46] - Abraham Lincoln's Character
- [08:07] - The Power of Deep Resolve
- [08:48] - Discovering Your Unique Thumbprint
- [09:31] - Examples of Character Strengths
- [10:15] - Applying Strengths in Different Contexts
- [10:45] - Cultivating Your Character Strengths
- [11:01] - Conclusion: Change Starts Today

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
2. Philippians 1:6 - "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest about the inevitability of change in our lives? How does this relate to the idea of transformation in Romans 12:2? [00:47]
2. How does the VIA survey help individuals identify their "signature strengths," and why is this important according to the sermon? [02:24]
3. What example from history does the sermon use to illustrate the importance of character formation, and what was the key aspect of this person's character? [07:37]
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of a "unique thumbprint" that God has placed on each of us? [08:48]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might Romans 12:2's call to be transformed by the renewing of our minds relate to the sermon’s emphasis on identifying and cultivating our character strengths?
2. In what ways does Philippians 1:6 provide assurance about the process of character development and change discussed in the sermon?
3. How does the example of Abraham Lincoln's commitment to keeping his resolves illustrate the sermon’s message about the power of deep resolve? [07:37]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of God in helping us identify and cultivate our unique character strengths? [10:45]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced significant change. How did you see God at work in that process, and how can you apply that experience to current changes in your life? [00:47]
2. Identify one of your "signature strengths" from the VIA survey or the list provided in the sermon. How can you intentionally use this strength in a new context this week? [04:40]
3. Consider the example of Abraham Lincoln's deep resolve. What is one area in your life where you need to make and keep a deep resolve, and how can you seek God's help in this? [07:37]
4. What is the "gem" of your character, and how can you nurture it to bring about positive change in your community or workplace? [08:48]
5. How can you carry the word that resonates most deeply as your character strength with you throughout the day, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate it? [10:45]
6. Think of a situation where you might have focused too much on your weaknesses. How can you shift your focus to your strengths and use them to overcome challenges? [01:27]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to identify and cultivate their unique character strengths? What role can you play in supporting them? [10:45]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Change as a Divine Opportunity
Change is an inevitable part of life, and with God's help, it becomes a profound opportunity for transformation. Each day presents a chance to grow closer to the person God intends us to be. By embracing change, we allow ourselves to be molded and shaped by God's hands, becoming better versions of ourselves. This transformation is not just about altering our circumstances but about deepening our relationship with God and aligning our lives with His purpose. As we journey through life, we are encouraged to reflect on who we are at our best, recognizing our strengths and virtues while acknowledging our weaknesses and areas for growth. [00:47]

"For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the Lord of hosts is his name. And I have put my words in your mouth and covered you in the shadow of my hand, establishing the heavens and laying the foundations of the earth, and saying to Zion, 'You are my people.'" (Isaiah 51:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to embrace change? How can you invite Him into this process today?


Day 2: Discover Your Signature Strengths
The VIA survey is a tool that helps us identify our unique character strengths, which are admired across cultures and religions. By focusing on these strengths, we can align our actions with our true selves and live more fulfilling lives. Understanding our "signature strengths" allows us to better navigate life's challenges and opportunities, using the qualities that define us at our best. This self-awareness is not about self-congratulation but about recognizing the unique thumbprint God has placed on us. By nurturing these strengths, we can use them to bring about positive change in various contexts, whether at home, work, or in our communities. [02:24]

"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." (Romans 12:6-8, ESV)

Reflection: What are your top three character strengths according to the VIA survey? How can you intentionally use one of these strengths to serve others today?


Day 3: Learn from Historical Examples of Character
Abraham Lincoln's dedication to character over personality or talent teaches us the importance of keeping our resolves. His commitment to character formation had a profound impact on his life and the nation, reminding us of the power of deep resolve. Lincoln's ability to make and keep deep resolves not only shaped his life but also had a profound impact on the nation. This dedication to character is a lesson for us all, encouraging us to prioritize character development in our own lives. By focusing on character, we can influence those around us and contribute positively to our communities. [07:37]

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a historical or personal figure whose character you admire. What specific quality do you want to emulate in your own life, and how can you start doing so today?


Day 4: Recognize Your Unique Thumbprint
Each of us has a unique character strength that defines us at our best. By identifying and nurturing this strength, we can use it to bring about positive change in various contexts, whether at home, work, or in our communities. This is not about self-congratulation but about recognizing the unique thumbprint God has placed on us. Whether it's humility, humor, or another strength, these qualities are what make us who we are. By understanding these strengths, we can better align our actions with our true selves and live more fulfilling lives. [08:48]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: What do you believe is the "gem" of your character? How can you use this strength to make a positive impact in your community this week?


Day 5: Cultivate Your Character Strengths
Carry with you the word that resonates most deeply as your character strength. Ask God to clarify and cultivate this quality in your life, using it to bring about positive change in yourself and those around you. By focusing on these strengths, we can align our actions with our true selves and live more fulfilling lives. This process of cultivation is ongoing, requiring intentionality and prayer. As we seek to grow in our character strengths, we invite God to work in and through us, transforming us into the people we are meant to be. [10:45]

"May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one character strength you feel God is calling you to cultivate more deeply? How can you take a practical step today to develop this strength with His guidance?

Quotes


a remarkable thing is going to happen today you a human being a moral agent accountable before a God you are going to change could be for the better I sure hope it is could be a little could be quite a lot could be with God's help not just your own effort but by the time you go to bed tonight you and I are going to be one day different than we were when we got started so let's ask God for help let's see what might happen today because one thing I know for sure you will never get this day again and neither will I change starts today [00:25:15]

now as we look at change and character and virtue we have to be wide open to what our weaknesses are what my flaws are how do I examine my sin but I can't get stuck there I was hearing uh from Nancy about somebody who knows me pretty well who had something pretty negative to say about the way I had navigated a pretty important uh journey in life and they may well be right they may well see things inside me that I don't I need to be very open and non-defensive and I can tell from the way that my mind works the way I would like to defend myself even right now as I think about this that I have a lot of growing to do and a long ways to go but I also know that if I live simply dwelling on what is negative about me there is not a force strong enough to pull me to what is good [00:87:11]

and so he convened 55 of the top psychologists in the world and they spent several years studying what are those character qualities or virtues or moral strengths that have been looked up to admired across all times in all places they looked across Christian across religions so whether you're Christian Islam Jewish Hindu Confucianism and so uh secular Greek philosophy they looked for traits that were ubiquitous and had folks that would go to the Messiah tribe in Kenya or uh to Inuits in Iceland and ask do these make sense to you and they found uh what they ultimately identified as 24 character strengths and if you take that survey we sent out a link you can see where you grade out on all of those which are strongest [00:200:15]

creativity curiosity judgment love of learning perspective is that you bravery perseverance honesty zest love kindness social intelligence teamwork fairness leadership forgiveness humility prudence self-regulation appreciation of beauty and excellence gratitude hope humor spirituality now if while I read that list of 24 traits you find yourself saying that's me after every single one of them probably humility is not going to be at the top of the list but taking the survey if you want to do it or just simply going through that list and doing a little self-assessment maybe asking one or two people in your life is a very important intervention in looking at how God has created you [00:295:08]

another way of going after this is which one of those traits What word what quality if it was absent from your life if you were not given the opportunity to exercise it would make you feel like I can't really be me and this deep commitment to character and character formation has been a part of human beings at its best although in our day we tend to focus much more on personality or temperaments or abilities or talents [00:368:45]

he says speed I must regain confidence and my ability to keep my resolves once they are made in that ability you know I once prided myself as the only or chief Gem of my character that gem I lost how and when you know too well I have not yet regained it and until I do I cannot trust myself in my matter of much importance Lincoln was mostly focused not on his temperament not on his personality not on his charms not on his talents on his character and he regarded this as the gem of his character his ability to keep resolves once he made them [00:420:15]

what's the gem of your character I don't mean this in a self-congratulatory I get to Pat myself on the back way how has God created you with his unique thumbprint so that when you are exercising this character quality this strength you are most you I think if my friend Rick Langley worked for Rick many many years uh at Menlo Church and Rick was a remarkably humble person often when people are engaged in leadership you'll hear folks say you know if you want to have smart people you got to be a 10 in smartness and then you get eight or nines or sevens and smart to follow you or so on the thing about Rick was he lived and worked and served out of his humility and because humility his humility was so great and so deep and people trusted it so much then folks who are unbelievably smarter unbelievably high functioning in other ways would want to be on Rick's team purely because of his character [00:520:08]

I think of my friend Gary moon and the gift of humor that character strength I can think of times being in supervision with Gary where we would be laughing so hard we would be rolling on the floor crying Gary when he's with a group of people if there's tension or boredom or stagnation or something he will say something really funny and he will get all red in his face and he'll scan everybody and if everybody doesn't laugh immediately he will just apologize and change the subject but if they do he will laugh until he cries [00:575:56]

the question today is what's that word that you most resonate with that is a a character strength a good quality that God has placed in you that when you are at your best you use and how can you use it in different contexts maybe you're quite disciplined and you exercise that at school or at work but you haven't really been practicing that at home or maybe you have quite a lot of compassion and you use that at home but you're not using that in the workplace what is that character quality that God has placed in you that God wants to bring out more and more and more [00:606:07]

so carry that one word with you today look for it ask God to clarify it for you give you chances to exercise it and then we'll begin to look at how do we cultivate each of these qualities in our lives change starts today [00:646:30]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?