Where to Focus First in Building Your Character
Wisdom Scripture
Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
Wisdom Quote
wise adjective
2. exercising or involving sound judgment — wise management of scarce resources
Synonyms: judicious, prudent, sage, sensible
Antonyms: foolish, unwise【1】
Where Should You Start? (Christian Character Development)
If you want to build your character, and you only select one area to focus on, how do you know which one to choose? There are so many essential character traits, and like me, you probably could stand to grow in all of them.
I could be more humble, more loving, more kind, and grow more of each fruit of the Spirit (Ephesians 5). I should be less messy, less distracted, and less lazy. I should be less selfish, more giving, less stingy, and more kind.
However, if you focus on many traits, you will not fully develop a single character trait. An old adage says, “A man who chases two rabbits goes home with an empty sack.”
Asking God for Guidance (Spiritual Growth and Self-Reflection)
Ask yourself, what one change could you make that would most please God? What one anchor, or hurdle, holds you back from all that God has for you? What is a long-standing issue, sin, stronghold, unresolved relationship, or habit that does not please God?
If you could only stop this, start that, overcome this, develop that, then you could soar for God.
To attain a singular focus, you will not choose a sin to stop, a habit to create, and a relationship to resolve. Rather, pick ONE singular point of focus to build your character for a sustained time.
A Prayer for Direction
Ask God to convict you of where to focus right now to become more mature, more conformed to the image of Jesus. Often, the Holy Spirit will convict you when you read God’s Word. Consider praying along with King David in Psalm 139:
“Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23–24)
Footnote:
[1] Merriam-Webster, Inc. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Thesaurus 1996. Print.