A captivating “read-aloud” nature story introduces the character quality of Virtue, followed by a story from the pages of Scripture! Character Sketches is designed to be a tool that fathers can use to teach their children basic ...
6 minCharacter
6 min
Living Lessons on Boldness—New from Character Sketches, Volume IV!
6 min
Applying the Character Quality of Endurance
3 min
Cultivating Godly Character
4 min
The Beatitudes: A Practical Guide to Overcoming Anger
13 minCategories
Topics
Character Qualities
Commands of Christ
Basic Life Principles
A captivating “read-aloud” nature story introduces the character quality of Virtue, followed by a story from the pages of Scripture! Character Sketches is designed to be a tool that fathers can use to teach their children basic concepts of Scripture that are also illustrated in the world of nature.
New from Character Sketches, Volume IV! A captivating “read-aloud” nature story introduces the character quality of Boldness. This is followed by a story from the pages of Scripture! Character Sketches is designed to be a tool that fathers can use to teach their children basic concepts of Scripture that are also illustrated in the world of nature.
Endurance is associated with the physical stamina required for a race. However, the character quality of endurance is much deeper than physical stamina. It includes the strength that comes by rejoicing in the reproaches that come as we follow the ways of God.
We are created in God’s image, designed to reflect His character, so He is seen, enjoyed, and honored through us and in us. Consistent, lasting character comes from a changed heart, and a changed heart starts with becoming a new creation in Christ.
Jesus described eight attributes that receive the blessing of God. These eight qualities—or beatitudes—embody attitudes that are essential for anger resolution. Without these qualities, obtained by God’s grace and the believer’s humility, keeping the spirit of the Law would be impossible.
Obedience is freedom to be creative under the protection of divinely appointed authorities. All legitimate authority comes from God. He is the One Who sets up rulers and takes them down.
Faith is based on the promises of God, which are so certain that waiting for them is not discouraging, and acting upon them is natural. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
Joyfulness is the bright spirit and radiant countenance that come by being in full fellowship with the Lord.
Flexibility is an important and necessary character quality, yet the word flexibility is not used in the Bible. Thus, a search for the concept of flexibility must be carried out. One must understand that being flexible will usually involve change and that change will often result in tension.
Orderliness is easier to maintain when we keep only those things that are needed, have a place for everything we kee, an keep things in good repair.
Cautiousness is recognizing that we have natural inclinations that are opposite to God’s ways. These tendencies seem right but lead to destruction and death. “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25).
Even though God and others expect us to be dependable, God knows that the ability to demonstrate such a quality does not reside within us—our strength must come from Him.
Diligence is accepting each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to do it quickly and skillfully. Our motivation for diligent labor is to realize that we do not work for just an earthly employer, but that we are actually employed by the Lord Jesus Christ.
In every person's heart, there is a deep longing for security. Unfortunately, we tend to look for security in temporal things that perish rather than in realities that cannot be taken away.
We have a tendency to do work as thoroughly as is necessary to pass the inspection of those who assign us the job. However, true thoroughness is motivated by the awareness that each job we do will be personally inspected by the Lord.
Being punctual is living in harmony with the nature of God (Who is always precisely on time). It should be part of our motivation to make the best use of every minute of each day, in light of the imminent return of Christ.
Gentleness is demonstrated in our responses to others, especially those who are under our care. The gentleness that comes from true wisdom is the result of an understanding heart.
Enthusiasm in the soul is like a candle. It gives light, but it is self-consuming. On the other hand, enthusiasm generated in the spirit is like the flame of an oil lamp. As long as we are filled by the Spirit of God and the Word of God, enthusiasm, like an oil-filled lamp, will burn indefinitely.
Gratefulness is expressing sincere appreciation to God and to others for the ways that they have benefited my life. Gratefulness is the foundation of a believer’s walk with God and of God’s daily will for our lives. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18).
Hospitality should be a natural response of those who practice the teachings of Jesus, because hospitality demonstrates the love and light of God. Love and light do not choose their recipients; they are available to all who need them.