What do we mean when we say it is important to have good character? We are describing the “characteristics” that an individual has. It is who they are, not what they do. Our character is an outflow of the heart and then seen in our actions. Unfortunately, characteristics can be fake. We can be deceived. If someone smiles on the outside while angry on the inside we can be fooled into thinking that they are a person of great moral character when they are not. From a young age we all learn to mask our true self and cultivate our public profile by hiding emotions and attitudes. True character is, “What a person does when no one is looking.” It’s the actions that flow from convictions not a performance to persuade onlookers. Character describes who you are. The Bible says, “out of the heart the mouth speaks.” A person with good character will act the same in their car as they do walking down the street. They are the same at home as in the office. People with good character are trustworthy, consistent and reliable. They are safe, hard-working and kind. The Christian Church must always be careful not to elevate talent and charisma while overlooking godly character. This is why I have adopted the mantra, “Character is King.” It’s a short, memorable, way to hang-on to this truth. God is not looking for people who know a great deal or who have talent streaming from every pore. Without character these are more liabilities than assets because they become power used for evil and not good. The Christian life is not transactional, it is relational. The Church was not created to “get things done.” It was created to be relationally connected to God. He did not create us because He needed more laborers. God is eternally self-sufficient. He does not need our help or our works. He created us so that He could share His majesty with us. He created us for relationship. That is why the bible says, “obedience is better than sacrifice,” and, “if I give all my possessions to the poor… but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (1 Samuel 15:22; 1 Corinthians 13:3). The first and second greatest commandment would agree; love God and love your neighbor (not just outwardly but from the heart). What is your character like? The good news is that God is in the character transformation business. The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives changes us on the inside. If you are pursuing God in your daily life you will find that the fruits of the Spirit will grow more and more until you will be a person of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Trinity Church is committed to making sure that you have leaders who are people of character. We are committed to helping you develop good, godly, character in your own life. We are committed to being a church where “Character is King.”
“Trinity International Church is a safe, welcoming, community of Christ-followers who uphold a high view of Scripture, celebrate unity in diversity and participate fully in the abiding Christian life as described in the Bible. We are united by the principle that in the essentials there should be unity, in all else there should be charity.”
Pastor Dan
