Character Development

Few people enjoy having their patience tried, which is why Romans 5:3 challenges us when it says, “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience” (KJV). Patience is a prerequisite for developing a Christlike character. But according to Paul, patience is developed through trials.

When you get a flat tire in the rain on a dirt road, miles from home, your response should be to praise the Lord because He’s developing the likeness of Christ in you. Few people would say, “The line in the post office is so long that I’m going to be late to my doctor’s appointment, but praise the Lord anyway!” But, in reality, that is exactly the attitude we ought to have. Think of the alternative.

Failing to honor God in difficult, uncomfortable situations is not only choosing to manifest an un-Christlike spirit but also failing to trust Him.

No one should be happy they’re stuck in traffic and will be late for work, but a close connection with Jesus will allow you to keep your cool instead of getting steamed about something that is out of your control.

Seventeenth-century English philosopher John Locke is widely quoted as saying, “What worries you, masters you.”* God desires to grow us, to shape us to be more like Him and less like what we are without Him.

Christianity isn’t merely a belief system. It’s a life system. More than a foundation for our lives, faith in Jesus is to become our life.

God continues to allow patience-building opportunities to come to us so that we will learn to consult with Him as our first resort and not as a last resort. When we learn to see trials as opportunities to develop our character, we will learn to handle them better. In the midst of trial, it is better to say, “What is God trying to teach me here?” than to complain, asking, “Why is this happening to me?!” Tribulation works patience.

When trials next confront you, look to Jesus and understand He will not only get you through, but He also is growing you to be more like Him.