Examining the Content of our Character
Posted by Andrea
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Today is Martin Luther King Day and many of the nation’s libraries, post offices, and schools are closed as we pause to remember the birthday of this great civil rights leader. The holiday also honors Dr. King’s fine legacy of service. Our family is especially thankful for the wonderful opportunities we have been afforded because of Dr. King’s dedication to civil rights.
Each time Martin Luther King Jr. Day arrives, I enjoy listening to Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech. Though the entire speech is inspiring and thought provoking, there is one particular line that strikes a chord within me. Now that I am a mother, this line has an even deeper meaning.
Toward the end of his speech, Dr. King forcefully remarks, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” His words reflect my desire as well. I, too, want my children to be judged by their character and not their color. In order to help make this dream a reality, my husband and I must instill Christlike character within our children and make sure that our own character is pleasing to God as well.
God wants us each to examine and improve our character and He does not leave us to wonder how to do so. Consider the following verses. They provide clear instruction on how to enhance our own character and the character of our children.
All your sons will be taught by the Lord and great will be your children’s peace. (Isaiah 54:13)
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)
These instructions are quite clear. God wants us to teach Biblical, character strengthening principles to our children. This instruction is to originate at home and be a regular part of our daily routine. Parents are to model and discuss Biblical character at home but the Bible notes that the instruction is not to stop there. Parents are to tie and bind these teachings to our hands and hearts so that wherever we go, these Biblical traits come with us.
What can we expect if we follow the Bible’s instructions? Isaiah 54:13 tells us that our children will experience peace. This does not mean that our children will never have to endure conflict. When our children do face conflict, they will bring their problems to God, the One who can provide them with “perfect peace”. Parents who follow this Biblical instruction can expect to find themselves serving as God’s Good Will Ambassador, letting their bright lights shine and bringing glory to God in heaven.
Examining the content of our character and helping our children develop good character is not a quick and easy task. Thankfully God’s Word is full of instruction and also provides us an opportunity to learn we can learn from the men and women of the Bible.
If you’d like to read the entire text of Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech, visit American Rhetoric’s Top 100 Speeches here. In addition, if you’re interested in continuing Dr. King’s legacy of service, consider participating in The Martin Luther King Day of Service next year. Volunteering to help those in need is a wonderful way for everyone to help enhance the content of our character!
Prayer:
Lord, thank you so much for raising up individuals who have a heart for others. Thank you for Dr. King and his lasting legacy. Father, forgive us for not taking the time to examine ourselves more closely. Help us to seek You and reveal the flaws we have. Guide us to Your Word so that we may improve the quality of our character. As our character improves, help us to perform good works so that we may excellent witnesses for You. Amen.
Food for Thought:
1. When was the last time you took a moment to examine the content of your character using God’s word as a guide?
2. Why is the content of our character so important to God?
3. What can you do to make your home a great source of Biblical character education?
Photo: Courtesy of Auntie P (Flickr)
Tags: Deuteronomy 6:6-9, I Have a Dream, Isaiah 54:13, Martin Luther King Day of Service, Martin Luther King Jr.
Thank you so much, Andrea. I am glad to be reminded of where we have come from. Also, the reminder to focus on Christ-like character is a blessing. We can so easily be distracted by our “pursuit of happiness” rather than the pursuit of godliness.
I also appreciate Martin Luther King’s emphasis on judging by “the content of their character”, because we are so prone to judge people by appearance or attainments. We each have value in God’s sight because we are His creation, and He loves us even though we don’t deserve it. In addition, He loves each person in our lives, and I am often challenged to remember that this puts me under the blessed obligation to love them for HIS sake.
Thank you again.
Hi Tammie! Thanks for visiting again. I very much love your emphasis on the pursuit of happiness vs the pursuit of Godliness! Fabulous point!
Beautifully written. I love the emphasis on the content of character. Truly we need to examine ourselves frequently that we may bring honor to the Lord through our character. Once I heard the statement “character is what you are when no one is around.” Very though provoking.
I’ve heard that quote too! May I always remember that God is ALWAYS looking! Thanks for stopping by today!