| “But all things having their true character exposed by the light are made manifest [shown out]; for that which makes everything manifest is light” (Ephesians 5:13 JND). |
| The word “character” does not occur in our KJV translation, and it occurs only once in the Darby translation, but the concept of it is all through the Word of God. Our English word character is derived from a Greek word that means “an engraved mark,” often related to the monogram or trademark of a potter, painter or artisan. You can often see a stamp on the bottom of a handmade mug. It distinguishes the potter’s work as being his own, and no one else’s. It was back in the 1600’s that the word came to mean “the sum of qualities that defines a person.” |
| In the nineteenth century, the word was used fairly often in the lives of people in North America, and the words used most often in discussing character were words like work, building, good deeds, honor, morals, manners, integrity, etc. The Bible and its principles were considered the backbone of society, even among the worldly people who were not Christians. But you and I know that all this has changed today. The word character is not used much in everyday speech, except in a joking way — “He is quite a character!” In the twentieth century, these words were gradually replaced, until in this 21st century, words that people use to describe themselves or others are more like fascinating, stunning, attractive, awesome, magnetic, glowing, masterful, creative, dominant, forceful, etc. |
| What happened? The rise of psychology, the introduction of mass-produced consumer goods, and more leisure time offered people new ways of forming their identity and presenting it to the world. More important, the Bible was pushed to one side, and people began to introduce man’s ideas into their lives. As another has put it, “The vision of self-sacrifice began to yield to that of self-realization.” Instead of thinking of others, most people began thinking mainly of themselves. |
| Where does all this leave us as Christians? In the nineteenth century, even unbelievers valued good character, talked about it, and wanted to see it developed in their children. Their motives may have been self, but they wanted what was right. Today it is what others think, rather than what is right, that governs the attitude and behavior of most people. |
| You and I as believers have a higher calling. Yes, good character is important, not simply for our own sake, but because it is pleasing to the Lord, and shows Christ to this world. In the next few days, we are going to take up a few important Christian character traits. |
