Character
To exemplify Christ's character in every aspect of life. This entails showing love, holiness, self-sacrifice, and integrity.
My Understanding of Christ-like Character
Christ Likeness
Christ-like character means to exemplify Christ in every aspect of life.
Matthew 10:24-25
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master.
Love
Jesus said, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” (John 15:12-14) Love is central to a Christian character and even more so for a pastor.
Holiness
Another character trait that should mark a pastor is holiness. Scripture declares, in fact God declares, “Be holy, for I am holy.” God desires us to be holy. What does this look like? Holiness is rooted in truth. John 17:17 says, Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth. The pastor needs to be rooted and grounded in Scripture.
Self-Sacrifice
To reflect Jesus’ character through self-sacrifice means that at various moments I may have to make hard sacrifices. I may have to move often to further the kingdom of God. I may have to sacrifice time with my wife and children for the benefit of my church family in Jesus. At the same time, I will have to sacrifice time with my church family to minister to my wife and children. Priority must always be given to my family.
Integrity
The last character trait I will highlight is integrity. Ellen White shares the following:
“The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.” (Ed 57.3)
Character forms the foundation of every other core quality. This is why I spent so much time reflecting upon this because my greatest desire is to live a life that imitates Christ. I desire to point others to my life not for self-exaltation but to reveal the amazing transformative work of Jesus. A Christ-like character is my greatest desire. As I serve as a pastor, as I am a father, as I am a husband, as I am a son, I strive to make Christ permeate in all these areas.
Books Read on Character
Meaningful Quotes on Character
"One safeguard removed from conscience, the indulgence of one evil habit, a single neglect of the high claims of duty, may be the beginning of a course of deception that will pass you into the ranks of those who are serving Satan, while you are all the time professing to love God and His cause. A moment of thoughtlessness, a single misstep, may turn the whole current of your lives in the wrong direction."
Testimonies for the Church 5:398
This quote reminds me how I need to always be intentional with my thoughts, words, and actions. I am engaged in a battle and removing any safeguard is detrimental to my ministry.
"Be ready and anxious to confess your faults and forsake them, that your mistakes and sins may go before hand to judgment and be blotted out." (p.523)
I recognized early in my ministry and in my relationships that I will make mistakes often and have to apologize for them. I have made mistakes along the way and I have seen how apologizing can heal and build stronger relationships.
In a survey, I asked how my leaders saw me demonstrate a Christ-like character and this is what one shared.
"He is willing to admit his faults and prayerfully consider his stances, and when necessary change them."
"Integrity is not the same as honesty. Honesty is telling the truth to other people. Integrity is telling the truth to yourself."
I appreciate the distinction between these because it highlights how "honesty" is an action whereas "integrity" is an inner principle, a mindset. Truth is the center for each of them but integrity is self-reflective.
"The test of integrity is not how loudly you proclaim your values, but how consistently you live them when it costs you something."
I find this quote to be a challenge, a goal. I desire to live out my values but I find it dreadfully challenging when it costs something precious to me. God is working on me to always be willing to sacrifice for him but sometimes it is intimidating.
Pictures Demonstrating Character
The following are pictures that show my interactions with various people and in various settings. There are examples of sharing the love of Christ, service, and joyful fellowship.
Rejoicing together with Young Adults over wife being pregnant. These young adults I have had the privilege of modeling Christ's example and mentoring.
This is a picture of myself with several young adults from Athens SDA. We are at the aquarium having fun looking at God's creation.
Pastor Edgar and I visited people during the pandemic. We made sure to visit with people while they were secluded and isolated.
This was a Young Adult activity where I had the privilege of speaking to an individual who was going through a rough time with accepting salvation.
I am mingling with several members at Atlanta North during a Health Fair my wife and I were invited to.
I am leading out our first meeting for ACF at UGA. I have the privilege of leading out Bible Study for them and showing God's character through my life and Bible study.
This is a picture of youth at Atlanta North. We organized an event specifically for youth around Christmas and celebrated a birthday.
Jorge, an elder from Atlanta North, and I are changing plumbing for a community service project. This project was facilitated by the Atlanta North Young Adults.
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