December 5, 2012

Character:  one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual.  (Merriam-Webster dictionary)

My late glider partner had character and was a character, the best under the best definition.  His character was upstanding, he met people well, he could do almost anything.  He designed hydrofoils, airplanes, tools, any kind of gadget for any kind of usefulness.  He could sing; he was an accomplished raconteur, he was always doing things for others.

However, his fine character couldn’t seem to grasp the fact that God loved him and had freely forgiven him and made new life available for him.  He seemed to feel there was something else necessary for him to do to earn forgiveness and eternal life no matter how plainly and simply the Bible declared that it was God’s gift

“God saved us by his grace when we believed, and we can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it”.

The verse continues with this reason: “For we are God’s masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned long ago for us to do”.

(Ephesians 2:8-10 New Living Testament slightly rephrased)

And by the way, paying attention to the guidelines in the Apostle’s epistles while we’re doing the good things God has planned for us to do, helps us develop the character that’s needed.

Here’s a quick video with some reminders from former President Ronald Reagan: