Continuing the quest for character... I didn't pick this book randomly. The Quest for Character is a two part study. Part one discusses how to protect or guard your heart. Part two is how to balance caution with a caring, giving heart.
Having spent most of my life with an open heart it's no wonder the hurts and bruises from the past have made a lasting mark. My prayer is that through this study my heart (our hearts) will be healed, mended, strengthened, and bring forth the character God desires. It's a quest for balance of the heart.
*What is your quest? Without a quest, life is quickly reduced to bleak black and wimpy white, a diet too bland to get anybody out of bed in the morning. A quest fuels our fire. It keeps our mind in gear, makes us press on.
Perceptions of myself have been defined by others and what I've done. I've been reduced to a bleak black from mistakes and bad decisions, and wimpy white efforts in my walk with Christ. Neither have amounted to what I believe God desires for me.
We all live in a sort of glass house, and when we start throwing stones or someone throws stones at us it leaves us broken. Instead God wants us to be strong through Him and His promises and truth. He will mend the broken heart and make us whole in character.
A quest for character is all about me, it's all about you. It is an introverted process of development. A selfish search for qualities God intends for us to have and display for the world to see. It's our way of searching Him through our brokenness.
I had the privilege of attending a Christian high school. Every quarter Fruit of The Spirit Awards were given to students by the staff. There was never a question of who would receive the Kindness Award. This was my award, and somehow I was always saddened to receive it. Don't get me wrong, I appreciated everyone thought of me that way, but was my character so one dimensional that I couldn't be considered for any other award?
Through the years I've seen how my character, or lack thereof, has affected my life. How it has caused fear, depression, hoarding issues, and relational rifts to manifest in my life and heart. Being kind and caring is a good character trait, but it is such a one sided, one dimensional gift. Is there more that I can do to cultivate more character?
So, my quest for character begins.
Here is an article I read some months ago that started my thought process on this subject.
*Excerpts from the introduction ~ The Quest for Character
Having spent most of my life with an open heart it's no wonder the hurts and bruises from the past have made a lasting mark. My prayer is that through this study my heart (our hearts) will be healed, mended, strengthened, and bring forth the character God desires. It's a quest for balance of the heart.
*What is your quest? Without a quest, life is quickly reduced to bleak black and wimpy white, a diet too bland to get anybody out of bed in the morning. A quest fuels our fire. It keeps our mind in gear, makes us press on.Perceptions of myself have been defined by others and what I've done. I've been reduced to a bleak black from mistakes and bad decisions, and wimpy white efforts in my walk with Christ. Neither have amounted to what I believe God desires for me.
We all live in a sort of glass house, and when we start throwing stones or someone throws stones at us it leaves us broken. Instead God wants us to be strong through Him and His promises and truth. He will mend the broken heart and make us whole in character.
A quest for character is all about me, it's all about you. It is an introverted process of development. A selfish search for qualities God intends for us to have and display for the world to see. It's our way of searching Him through our brokenness.
*God is forever on a quest. Ever thought about that? His pursuit is a subject woven through the fabric of the New Testament. The pattern He follows is set forth in Romans 8:29, where He promises to conform us to His Son's image. Another promise is stated in Philippians 1:6, where we're told He began His work in us and He isn't about to stop.We are His workmanship, Ephesians 2:10, and it is God's quest to bring to light in us the character He desires. Some of them are listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7.
I had the privilege of attending a Christian high school. Every quarter Fruit of The Spirit Awards were given to students by the staff. There was never a question of who would receive the Kindness Award. This was my award, and somehow I was always saddened to receive it. Don't get me wrong, I appreciated everyone thought of me that way, but was my character so one dimensional that I couldn't be considered for any other award?
Through the years I've seen how my character, or lack thereof, has affected my life. How it has caused fear, depression, hoarding issues, and relational rifts to manifest in my life and heart. Being kind and caring is a good character trait, but it is such a one sided, one dimensional gift. Is there more that I can do to cultivate more character?
So, my quest for character begins.
Here is an article I read some months ago that started my thought process on this subject.
*Excerpts from the introduction ~ The Quest for Character
I look forward to learning more about this book from you and your posts?
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get the copyright notification, I need to add one to mine:)
This was a lovely post and very enlightening. I am going to read the articles. I too have gone through similar types of struggles through the years. I feel a little more centered now and I do want to be a Christ like person and it does require a Quest for Character.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!
The quest for character is a never-ending, eternal principle. One we accomplish step by step and second by second. It isn't easy, But it's worth it! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLots to think about! I will be back to read more about the quest for character.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I nominated your blog for the versatile blogger's award!
Check it out at
http://gleaninggrace.blogspot.com/2011/09/award-for-moi.html
I find even the word "quest" inspiring and motivating. I've enjoyed reading your thoughts on this.
ReplyDelete