Why Character Growth Shapes Your Eternity

Wisdom Scripture

Isaiah 28:29 (NIV)

All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,

whose plan is wonderful,

whose wisdom is magnificent.

Wisdom Quote

“Wisdom helps one to succeed” (Ecclesiastes 10:10 RSV).

Scripture highlights the rich rewards of wisdom—“abundant welfare” (Proverbs 3:2 RSV), “vats … bursting with wine” (Proverbs 3:10 RSV), and “riches and honor” (Proverbs 3:16 RSV). While the path of folly leads downward toward destruction, the path of wisdom moves ever upward—“like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day” (Proverbs 4:18 RSV).

— Ryken, Leland et al. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery (2000), p. 956

Build Your Character for Eternity

The rewards of becoming more like Jesus are not just for this life—but for the next. Changing your character today shapes your eternity tomorrow.

Paul encouraged his younger associate Timothy with this truth:

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

—1 Timothy 4:7–8

Scripture points to eternal rewards—figurative crowns—for those who walk in faithfulness. How you live today truly matters for eternity.

“For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.”

—Matthew 16:27

“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

—1 Corinthians 9:25

So get fired up to change. Build your character now, and you’ll benefit—not just in this life, but in the eternal new creation. And when you grow to become more like Christ, not only do you please God and experience joy yourself, but you also bless the people around you.