Character and the Spirit

This week I enjoyed a brief beginning to a worthwhile discussion that deserves a lot more. It relates to character - our role and the role of God the Spirit. My thought, this year, has been to look for every chance to honour the Holy Spirit and to challenge every chance to overlook His work so it got my attention quickly.

It is easy to over-estimate our own role in character growth. I certainly think that we have a role to play however I think it could be quite dangerous for it not to be balanced by an appreciation for all that God does to help us. Our own pats on the back could easily become self-righteousness. And on the other hand, if we think that it's up to us, then we could become disheartened when we take an honest look at ourselves and acknowledge that we can't do it on our own.

The good news is that we are not on our own. I believe that our journey of character growth has the Spirit's footprints all over it. His role is not limited to one simple download at rebirth, and neither do I see this discussion in the realm of apologetics or systematic theology. I'm talking about how the Spirit helps us in day-to-day, real life - a wonderful life where we are invited to keep in step with Him.

When we were reborn by the Spirit we were given a new nature, and with it our motivations and desires changed. With a balance of carrot and stick (or conviction and inspiration), the Spirit leads us to want to take on His character.

The Spirit leads us into and through many situations and circumstances that test our character. One way or another God allows us to go through tough times that develop patience and perseverance.

Through hard days and average days, God's Word holds us securely. The Spirit breathes on the Word, reminding us of the truth and showing us how to truly live according to it.

Everyday the Great Mentor speaks to us and coaches us. He stirs us to do one thing and He warns us to avoid another. Always positive, always believing in us.

The Spirit's power transforms us - even our character. Where we would have no hope to change a character trait, God can breakthrough - healing us and shaping us. Of course we need to keep walking in it, being renewed and continuing to choose His way as we are reformed.

There is freedom in seeing our own role as small and God's role as big. This leads me to stop contending with the flesh and to simply pray and trust. It is not up to me to change me (or to take the credit) as it is also not up to me to seek to change others but to trust God and pray for Him to have His way.

Being born of His nature means that I will naturally produce His fruit, so I can take no more credit than the branch can take for producing apples. The fruit comes by His nature, His design, His life. This also means that I don't have to strive to produce such fruit - and that such striving is fruitless.

I believe that our role is to simply submit to His wonderful love, power and will. This role is not unimportant or passive, the path to the point of submission may not be without blood. But our part is to simply say 'yes' and let His nature take it's course.

I'd love for you to add to the discussion.