21 May, 2023

DEVELOPING CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

(Christian Living 25)

When a person comes to Christ, he becomes “a new creation” and his life is changed by the power of God the Holy Spirit. This enables him to live a godly life pleasing to God. However, he must not stop there; he needs to go on to develop his character so that he can be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”.

The Apostle Peter encouraged this of all believers: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and love” (2 Peter 1:5-7). These are spiritual values and Christ-like virtues that every true and committed believer must have in his life. The Apostle John reminds us that “whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6).

Peter now gives us the reasons why we need to develop and grow in these virtues and Christ-like character:
1. That we may be effective and productive in our life:
v.8: “For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being
ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
Notice that we must have “these qualities in increasing measure” to prove that our knowledge of Christ in personal relationship is real. The Bible exhorts us: “As you have received Christ, so walk in Him that you may be built up and rooted in Him” (Col.2:6-7).

2. That it may confirm our true calling and election.
v.10: “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.” Our Lord said, “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen and that you should go and bear fruit and that our fruit should last” (John 15:16). Fruit-bearing is a sure sign of our repentance and faith: “Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance” (Luke 3:8).

3. That we may be strong in faith and Christian living.
v.10b: “For if you do these things, you will never stumble”.
Many Christians fail in their Christian life in not being able to overcome temptation and have victory over their sinful habits. Others have persistent doubts and cannot trust God completely because they are not growing in Christ and His knowledge. We need to be disciplined in reading the Word of God and worshipping the Lord regularly.

4. That we may be sure of going to Heaven.
v.11: “and you will receive a rich welcome into the Eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”.
The ‘rich welcome’ refers to our Lord’s commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” and receiving the reward from Christ for the life we live and for our service to Him.  

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