When you read the Bible, especially in the New Testament, you will see that emphasis is placed on developing godly character.
Paul tells us in Colossians 3:12 to “put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering”. In Galatians 5:22-23 we are encouraged to develop the fruits of the Holy Spirit, which are “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.”
In Corinthians 13:4-5, we are urged to demonstrate a love that “suffers long and is kind [that]does not envy, parade itself, is not puffed up [and] does not behave rudely”
All of these are all character traits that we are supposed to develop as Christians. But, as much as you might like it to, such development does not happen miraculously.
Therefore, there are three things you should remember as if you want to successfully develop godly character. The first is that, growth takes time.
1. Growth Takes Time
For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.
Mark 4:28 (NKJV)
As this verse reveals, growth is a lengthy process.
When a seed of grain has been planted it does not just spontaneously and instantaneously pop up as a full grown crop. Its growth happens gradually. First the blade appears then the head and then the full grain in the head.
In the same way your character growth as a Christian happens gradually. You don’t become patient, kind and humble overnight.
At first you will plant the seed of God’s Word in your heart, and then you will have to tend it by removing the weeds of bad habits and then water it as you start to act on what the Word says.
From there you will see small signs of the growing seed of your new character. In stressful situations you might start turning to prayer instead of worry. When someone treats you unjustly, you may react with patience and self-control instead of anger.
But there will still be other areas you may be weak in. You might still be battling with weeds of self-condemnation or being too quick to anger.
But instead of letting those areas of weakness hinder you. Instead you should, forget what lies behind and continue pressing on in developing your character.
2. Forget What Lies Behind
In the process of developing godly character, it can be easy to beat yourself up over shortcomings and failures.
Why did I get angry again, I thought I was passed this!
Ugh, it’s just like me to be impatient.
But you must remember that self-hatred, self-condemnation and discouragement will not solve the problem. In fact, they will only make it worse. They will hinder you from growing and keep you from being useful to God and other people.
Instead, you should acknowledge your mistake, thank God for His grace and move on.
The Apostle Paul says in Philippians 3: 13-14, ESV:
But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul knew what it was like to do something you later regretted and were ashamed of. He had come from a life of murdering Christians. (1 Timothy 1:12-13) But, instead of dwelling on his past mistake, he looked ahead to the promise of Jesus.
You should learn from him and do the same.
Don’t dwell on the mistake that has happened, forget what lies behind you and keep pressing on towards Jesus. Keep pressing on in seeking God and growing your character. Also, remember to make it a point to celebrate the small victories.
3. Celebrate The Small Victories
It is often very easy to dwell on all the negative things and completely forget the good and positive ones. But as you develop your character it is important to actively remember the ways in which you have changed.
It is important to celebrate those victories, to acknowledge the gradual change. As we are urged in Philippians 4:8, you must think about anything worthy of praise, even in your character growth.
Doing this will keep you from being discouraged. It will also open your eyes to see the good work God is doing in you, work that will be completed when Jesus returns. (Philippians 1:9)
