Character of the New Man

Colossians 3:12a “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on…..”

It’s an interesting thing to examine character. A small designation of the type of character you’re describing makes all the difference in the world.

Character in itself can be quite obscure, for instance, when searching for a good description of character I discovered something unique. Listen to a generalized description of character: A blend of physical details with actions, dialogue, and inner thoughts, showing personality through what they do, say, and wear, rather than just listing traits.

Physical details are essentially what you look like, or how you present yourself. Toss in some characteristics that you want to typify, such as the way you speak, or the things you dwell on and you have the character of the individual.

“She’s quite the character”, they will say as the young lady colors her hair purple, wears a brilliant lip gloss, and different sized clothes. For those who lose their lives far too early, the obituaries will describe a fun loving spirit, generous, loves cats, and brought light and joy into everyone’s lives. People read the obituaries and with a sigh of regret feel like the world has lost another bright light.

Do people have to be eccentric to be the life of the party? Must a girl wear crazy clothes for people to rejoice in her personality? Does a young man have to be uber athletic or ultra smart for him to carry so much promise?

For those who carry the weight of expectation, it can be exhausting.

Why can’t people be described by their inward beauty or by the consistency of character that is demonstrated even when people aren’t watching?

Now, add one small word before Character and it completely changes the implication….

A Shift of Focus

When a person accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior, the focus is no longer on self expression or discovering oneself, the focus is toward trusting in the One who has changed your life. The character of a person isn’t to identify as another unique being in the universe, the character shifts in how they identify with their Redeemer and Lord.

Colossians 3:12-13 “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

Christian character can now be described as a person transformed by faith in Jesus Christ, reflecting the qualities He demonstrates, living with integrity, humility, honesty, and trust in the One who redeemed you.

Paul’s description of such a person is one who doesn’t wait for some miraculous transformation of character, but rather demonstrates a person who desires to honor the Lord and now has the strength, power, and supply to put on Jesus. Godly character is a choice, it takes effort, and the more the Christian practices it, the better they become at demonstrating it before others.

Time for Action

Colossians 3:14 “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

Can you hear the exhortation?

Put these things on! Don’t just stand around and hope someone dresses you in godliness, don’t pray for God to miraculously make you a better person, do them!

Colossians 3:16-17 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

To put on the attributes of Christ is to practice the attributes of godliness. Then when others see the attributes of Christ in you, give Him the glory. He is the One who called you, He is the One who made the way for life and peace, and He is the One we must glorify.

Then, when others see you, they see Jesus. They are drawn to the light in you because you demonstrate the light by your actions. You don’t have to bear the weight of making others happy, you only want to honor your Lord and King…and He is very patient and gracious with you. He will guide you in righteousness and by His power will supply you with all you need.

Godly Character is identifiable with Jesus. I know, I need to practice these attributes every day.