January 9, 2008
“Set Character Goals”
Dear Friend,
Very often, when we make plans for the new year, we consider what we would like to achieve and possess. In short, we make many plans to do things and get stuff. This is not bad but it is incomplete.
I believe the most important part of life focuses upon the type of person I am becoming. God works through ideas, feelings and life experiences to perfect and mature our souls. This requires us to think about and make plans to become better people. I believe in the maxim, “We are human ‘beings’ more than human ‘doings.’”
Last year, one of the qualities of personhood I set as a goal was patience. I thought about it and required myself to grow in my expressions of patience in my daily behavior. Although I do not believe I accomplished the goal of becoming a patient man, I believe that I made progress in this character quality.
The apostle James, a half brother of Jesus, recommended some qualities of character that I am including in my goals for 2008. James labels these qualities of character “wisdom.”
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
(James 3:17 ESV)
The wisdoms I hope to work on this year are:
A Peaceful Spirit – This is an internal sense of calm and well-being not predicated by external circumstances.
Gentleness – This is a quality of soul that is secure enough that it does not need to push and manipulate other people.
Open to Reason – This is the quality of personhood that is in the learning mode. It is a willingness to yield old opinions to new truths we are learning.
I believe if these wisdoms or qualities mature within me, I will be a better man, accomplish better things, and create a better environment around myself. I invite you to join me in the noble ambition of setting character goals and growing into your full potential.
Doc
Dr. Dave Collings
Lead Pastor
Christ Church
