Real Character Matters

“Real Character Matters”

It was once said to me that the way to know what your real level of “Character” is, is based by what you do in the dark, when no one is looking.
Someone else once said that “Character” is what you would do if you realized that Jesus was watching your every move.

Both of these I can see some truth in. However, I believe that “Real Character” involves a little more than that.

Character is by definition: “The peculiar qualities, impressed by nature or habit on a person, which distinguish him from others; these constitute real character, and the qualities which he is supposed to possess, constitute his estimated character, or reputation.”

We see that there are “peculiar qualities… which distinguish” each person from everybody else. These make each one of us unique. You know what I mean by this don't you?? If we were all were all exactly alike then this would be a very boring place to be. I know that the world would have been a real let down had it not been blessed with my personal presence!

You say "Brother Dunn, that was a very conceited thing to say!!" Well, don't get your hair all in a "Tizzy", the same thing can be said of you too! In fact it can be said of ALL OF US!

Next we see the “supposed” qualities which make up our reputation, or estimated character. (What I could Be.) The possibilities of what "Might Be". I am so glad that our Father In Heaven doesn't deal in "Possibilities".

Matthew 5:1-2
(1) And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
(2) And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

** Jesus sat and demonstrated for us all exactly how Character becomes a reality in our lives.

Character is not something that "Just Happens" it is something that MUST be taught. The disciples were men who were chosen or hand picked by Jesus Himself, but he had to teach them what they were to do and How to live. He taught them character.

Recently, a lady in our church came to me after a service and asked me this question: "Preacher, How did the disciples know what they were supposed to do after Jesus ascended to heaven?"

The answer was not lengthy or even "Deep Theology", it was simply the fact that Jesus had taught them BEFORE He left them here to carry on.

Jesus taught them from day one just who they were to become, that way when He did leave them on this earth they would know exactly what to do. Even with His last words to them, as He was going up into heaven, He was still teaching and instructing them.

This is something that is missing in our day and age. Our kids are NOT learning character at home or even at church, they are being taught by the Television, Video's and Electronic Games what the phrase "Life Lessons" means.

See, to me, I believe that if I leave it up to some "Pin-Head" in Hollywood, or New York City to be the one to teach my children what the word "Character" means, my kids and myself as well, will be sadly disappointed with the final outcome.

The Bible teaches us what some of the "Real Characteristics", or building blocks of a Christian life are:

Matthew 5:3-12
(3) Blessed are the poor in spirit (Humble): for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(4) Blessed are they that mourn (Mourn for their Own sin’s, or for the sin’s of Man.): for they shall be comforted.
(5) Blessed are the meek (Meekness is patience in the receiving of injuries.): for they shall inherit the earth.
(6) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness (Strong or complete desire to be and do right because it is right; trusting not in their own righteousness, but in the righteousness of Christ.): for they shall be filled.
(7) Blessed are the merciful (Someone who is affected by the sufferings of others, and wants to be able to alleviate them.): for they shall obtain mercy.
(8) Blessed are the pure in heart (That is, whose minds, motives, and principles are pure. Who seek not only to have the external actions correct, but who desire to be holy in heart, and who are so.): for they shall see God.
(9) Blessed are the peacemakers (Those who strive to prevent contention, and strife, and war.): for they shall be called the children of God.
(10) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake (Because they have, or are closely following after, the righteousness here described.): for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(11) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you (or abuse you to your face.), and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely (False accusation, or lies), for my sake.
(12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

These are the “Real Characteristics” that we find in Jesus Christ, in His followers, and in story after story, person after person from Genesis to Revelation.

The question then remains, are these "Characteristics" found in you?

Are you able to see these traits in your children?

If you are NOT teaching these things in your family, if these traits are not found in you, what about your church??

Folks, we all should be very concerned about the total lack of intrest in "Character" in our country and society.

This country was founded by men and women who had "Real Character".

Just where did they learn it??

From the BIBLE being taught to them at home, and the truth being preached in the pulpits of the churches where they attended. We need to wake up NOW, or else we will lose our children.

Christian America... it's coming!

Pastor David J. Dunn