The Place Of Character In Pursuit Of Success

The Bible equate good character with integrity


Proverbs 11:3 - The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
 
Proverbs 19:1 - Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

Proverbs 20:7 - The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

What Is Character

Ø Character is how to behave.

Ø CHARACTER is a product of HABITS and habits are a product of ACTIONS and actions are products of our THOUGHTS.

Proverbs 23:7 - For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he

Ø You Character Defines you
Example of Job
Job 1:1 - There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

We are called to be glorified. So our Character must reflect where we are going

Romans 8: 29 – 30
29 -For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

 30 - Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

You cannot separate the FUTURE of a tree from its NATURE.

Matthew 7:17 - 20

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Your nature determines the fruits you bear. Your nature limits you.

Ø You Don’t Determine Your Destiny; You Determine Your Character;

Ø Character Will Determine Your Destiny

Some Facts About Our Calling And Character

1.     We Are Called To Be Trees Of Righteousness:
Isaiah 61:3
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

2. We Are Called To Be The Salt Of The Earth
   Matthew 5:13 - Ye are THE SALT OF THE EARTH:
   but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Benefits Of Good Character:

Good Character Procures Favour - Example of Joseph

Genesis 39:6

And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

How To Change Our Character

1.     By Changing Our Thought Pattern
Proverbs 23:7 - For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:
Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2.     By Loading Our Mind With The Word Of God
Psalms 119:105 - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

3.     By The Anointing Of The Holy Spirit
Anointing Has The Power To Change Your Character - Example of King Saul
I Samuel 10:1, 6
1 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.