Friday Fight 184: Our Character or Christ

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF184.

What comes to mind when we think about the disposition of a person? If we witness adverse reactions, is a person's disposition defined as unfavorable, or do we show grace before attaching our negative opinion? How would we describe our disposition? More than likely, that question is followed by self-grace because we understand our intentions, even if they do not align with our actions. What can our disposition teach us about the person Christ is calling us to be?

Our Character of Christ:

We all know the saying, 'Actions speak louder than words. 'This is true. However, when we honestly look at both, we realize that our actions determine our disposition. Over time, our disposition forms patterns that we create. For example, do we repeatedly blame others or fixate on how everything impacts us? Are we self-focused or God-focused? Is something consistently wrong, or are we constantly complaining? Unfortunately, even if temporary, how we act will become a routine. Notice those who complain; without self-recognition or the Holy Spirit's gentle correction, the complaints will increase. Self-focused people form patterns like everyone else, and that self-focus can also become part of their routine. Self-focus is certainly not a character of Christ. The Bible says that to be followers of Christ, we are to serve others, which is God-focused.

When looking at our disposition and created patterns, it's generally a good idea to invest time reflecting on how we respond to change and conflict. As Christians, we should make prayer a part of our routine, taking time to reflect on how often or for what reason we stop and pray. Doing so may help us further cultivate our prayer life. Keep in mind that reactions are learned but can also be unlearned.

The more we empty ourselves, the more God can fill us with His love. Our patterns and ability to self-reflect and continually remove ourselves will eventually develop and define our character. Colossians 3:17 says, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Something as simple as looking at our disposition through a biblical lens can help us become more like the nature of Christ.

As followers of Christ, what defines our character? We want to respond by saying, 'Christ defines me,' but until we self-reflect, we cannot honestly answer this question. Once we can answer, follow up by reflecting on our distinctiveness. This is a great time to cling to our design with thanksgiving by celebrating how God made us while not making it about us.

Pastor Shannon

New Life Church