Don't Let Circumstances Define Character
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Yesterday we spoke about how we should not let other people determine our character. Today, we will focus on how we should not let our circumstances determine our character. What separates a child of God from someone who is not a believer is their ability to stay consistent in their character despite their circumstances around them.
Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. When Jesus came to earth, He showed us what true character should look like. In Matthew 4, after fasting 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus was hungry and fatigued. Recognizing these circumstances, the devil tried to persuade Jesus to denounce God, and then he would have the earthly comforts he so desired. However, Jesus’s character would not allow it. And the same power working in Jesus is working in us.
Like Jesus, we will be tested with sorrow, grief, disappointment, neglect, and we may even lose our physical safety. However, what we cannot lose is a God who will keep us in perfect peace if our minds are stayed on Him. The testing of our faith will produce patience. It will give us the room to have faith in a God who will give us strength when ours runs out.
When the world wants to test your character, remember that those circumstances do not define you. Those circumstances are designed to build you into a stronger individual and your character will sustain you in places where your human thoughts and abilities cannot. Be consistent no matter the circumstance.
Yesterday we spoke about how we should not let other people determine our character. Today, we will focus on how we should not let our circumstances determine our character. What separates a child of God from someone who is not a believer is their ability to stay consistent in their character despite their circumstances around them.
Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. When Jesus came to earth, He showed us what true character should look like. In Matthew 4, after fasting 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus was hungry and fatigued. Recognizing these circumstances, the devil tried to persuade Jesus to denounce God, and then he would have the earthly comforts he so desired. However, Jesus’s character would not allow it. And the same power working in Jesus is working in us.
Like Jesus, we will be tested with sorrow, grief, disappointment, neglect, and we may even lose our physical safety. However, what we cannot lose is a God who will keep us in perfect peace if our minds are stayed on Him. The testing of our faith will produce patience. It will give us the room to have faith in a God who will give us strength when ours runs out.
When the world wants to test your character, remember that those circumstances do not define you. Those circumstances are designed to build you into a stronger individual and your character will sustain you in places where your human thoughts and abilities cannot. Be consistent no matter the circumstance.
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