Transforming Character: The Inside-Out Journey of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: True Character Revealed Under Pressure

True character is not merely about the traits we display but is revealed through the choices we make, especially when under pressure. In moments of crisis, our true selves emerge, showing the depth of our character beyond surface-level behaviors. This understanding challenges us to look beyond mere appearances and to evaluate how we respond when faced with difficult situations. It is in these moments that we can see the essence of who we are and who we are becoming. [22:10]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt under pressure. How did your response reveal your true character, and what does it say about areas where you might need growth?

Day 2: Intentions Shape Genuine Character

The difference between hypocrisy and genuine character development lies in our intentions. If our aim is to become more like Christ, even if we don't fully feel it yet, we are on the right path. This journey requires sincerity in our intentions, as it is not about perfection but about the direction of our hearts. By focusing on our intentions, we can ensure that our character development is authentic and aligned with our faith. [33:19]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current intentions in your spiritual journey. Are they aligned with becoming more like Christ, and how can you ensure they remain sincere and genuine?

Day 3: Inside-Out Transformation

True character formation is an inside-out process, distinct from mere behavioral modification. Real change occurs within us, often during times of pain or pressure, leading to a deep, internal shift. This transformation is not about changing our outward behaviors alone but about allowing God to work within us to bring about genuine change. By focusing on this internal transformation, we can experience lasting growth in our character. [25:32]

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a time when you experienced internal change during a difficult period. How did this transformation impact your character, and what steps can you take to continue this inside-out growth?

Day 4: Community's Role in Character Development

Being part of a community allows us to receive feedback and encouragement, helping us recognize and celebrate changes in our character that we might not see ourselves. Community provides a supportive environment where we can grow and develop, as others help us see our blind spots and encourage us in our journey. By engaging with a community, we can experience mutual growth and support in our character development. [36:09]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively engage with your community to receive and provide support in character development? What specific steps can you take to foster this mutual growth?

Day 5: Admiring Character in Others

By observing and acknowledging character in others, we cultivate a desire within ourselves to grow and develop in similar ways. Recognizing the character traits we admire in others can inspire us to pursue growth in our own lives, moving us closer to the likeness of Christ. This practice not only encourages us but also helps us to appreciate the work of God in the lives of those around us. [30:04]

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)

Reflection: Identify someone whose character you admire. What specific traits do you see in them that you would like to develop in your own life, and how can you begin to cultivate these traits today?

Sermon Summary

In our journey of spiritual growth, we often focus on the concept of character, which is central to our lives and our faith. Character is not just about the observable traits or behaviors we exhibit; it is about the unseen qualities that define who we truly are. As Dallas Willard often emphasized, the main thing God gets out of our lives is the person we become, and this is what we carry into eternity. Our character is the essence of our being, and it is shaped by the choices we make, especially under pressure.

Reflecting on the teachings of Anthony Bloom, we are reminded that what truly matters is not whether we are alive or dead, but what we live for and what we are prepared to die for. This perspective challenges us to become students of character, constantly evaluating how our responses to life's situations reveal our true selves and how we can use these experiences to develop our character.

Robert McKee's distinction between characterization and character further illuminates this idea. Characterization involves the observable qualities of a person, while true character is revealed through the choices made under pressure. The story of the Good Samaritan exemplifies this, as it shows how true character is often hidden beneath the surface and is revealed in moments of crisis.

The journey of character formation is an inside-out process, distinct from mere behavioral modification. True change occurs within us, often in times of pain or pressure. It is important to be students of character, not only in ourselves but also in others. By recognizing and calling out character in others, we cultivate a longing within ourselves to be more like Jesus.

Ultimately, character is about seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. It is about allowing the reality of the Kingdom to come to life within us, transforming us from the inside out. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of growth and development.

Key Takeaways

1. Out Process:** True change happens within us, often during times of pain or pressure. This transformation is distinct from mere behavioral modification and requires a deep, internal shift. [25:32]
4. The Role of Community in Character Development: Being part of a community allows us to receive feedback and encouragement, helping us recognize and celebrate changes in our character that we might not see ourselves.

5. Recognizing and Admiring Character in Others: By observing and acknowledging character in others, we cultivate a desire within ourselves to grow and develop in similar ways, moving us closer to the likeness of Christ.

** [25:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[17:01] - Introduction to the Series
[18:20] - The Essence of Character
[19:10] - What Truly Matters
[20:31] - Becoming a Student of Character
[21:13] - Character vs. Characterization
[22:10] - Choices Under Pressure
[23:18] - The Good Samaritan Example
[24:35] - God Looks at the Heart
[25:19] - Inside-Out Transformation
[26:39] - Lessons from Everyday Life
[29:48] - Observing Character in Others
[31:14] - The Desire for Genuine Character
[32:37] - Authenticity vs. Hypocrisy
[34:24] - Measuring Change in Character

Sermon Clips

The main thing God gets out of your life is the person you become, and that's the main thing you get out of your life, and that's what we take with us into eternity. Character is another way of talking about the person that we become. [00:18:47]

Characterization he says is the sum total of all the observable qualities of a human being, everything knowable through looking at of age IQ sex sexuality speech gesture home car dress education personality all the aspects of humanity we could know by taking notes on somebody. [00:21:13]

The only way to know the truth is to witness him or her make choices under pressure, to take one action or another in the pursuit of their desire. As they choose, they are. Pressure is essential; choices made when nothing is at risk mean little. [00:22:01]

The revelation of true character in contrast or contradiction to characterization is fundamental to every story. Life teaches this Grand principle: what seems is not what is. People are not what they appear to be. A hidden nature waits concealed behind a facade of traits. [00:23:49]

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. That's this character. This character is just the reality of the Kingdom coming to life inside me. [00:25:06]

The real change that happens, the changes that we long for, are really an inside job. And so in behavioral modification fails us, then we're left with okay, how do I go inside? [00:25:32]

What you do when you're disappointed when you don't get what you want is probably one of the truest tests of your character. And that goes a bit to what John was talking about with Robert in this book is when I'm under pressure, what gets revealed. [00:26:08]

I think this journey towards character development needs to be an inside-out job. It needs to happen when we're in pain or under pressure. It needs to be, we need to be students of it everywhere. [00:26:39]

To be a student of character when you see it in other people, call it out. It will make you want it more for yourself, whether it's somebody you don't know that's behind a desk or at a shop or at a fast food place or at your office. [00:30:04]

If I genuinely want to be honest or genuinely am inspired by your integrity or your kindness and I want that more, that moves Us in the right direction. [00:31:14]

The difference is for a hypocrite, I have no intention of becoming that person. I don't intend to become a kind person or a humble person or a gentle person. I just want other people to think I'm that way to manipulate them. [00:33:19]

It's really good to be in a community with other people. That's why I love that we have this community together, where both my relationship with Nancy but then also people like Rick and Chuck and Kent and Jimmy were able to speak into each other's lives. [00:36:09]

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