Building Character Qualities In Children

In addition to my posts, Soaking In God’s Word and Abiding In Christ, I want to focus briefly on building character traits that every person who identities as a Christ follower should exhibit in their daily lives.

As Christians, we are called to be an example to everyone around us. Whether it’s our families, friends, neighbors, and strangers we encounter to witness God’s love as a bright, shining light in this dark, sinful world.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”-Matthew 5:14-16

But before we can be a beacon to others, we have to examine our lives first. As sinful humans by our fallen nature, we’re constantly waging war with the Holy Spirit. “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”-Galatians 5:17

If we truly claim to be born again children of God, then we should desire to do His perfect will, but more than that, actually commit to living it out. If we really love God, our willingness to obey should overpower any resistance our flesh has with His perfect plans. But the problem is that we’re not spending enough time with God like we desperately should. Instead we allow ourselves to succumb to our flesh.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

I don’t know how this Scripture can be more clear than that. If we’re serious about making changes to please God out of sincere love for Him, we have to renew our minds. Wherever our mind is, our actions follow. Plain and simple.

What are the natural inclinations of the fleshly body? “Selfishness, greed, lust, impurity, fornication, pride, idolatry, envy, strife, bitterness, debauchery.” (Mark 7:20-23, Colossians 3:5).

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. “-Galatians 5:22-23

So there you have it. Living out the fruits of the Spirit takes intentionality, effort, and persistence. A seed doesn’t plant without being watered and absorbed by sunlight. The best teacher and role model to learn from is Jesus. He not only taught how to live but He also lived it out. As we read more about Him in the Word, we’ll have a better understanding of how to live like Him. When we strive to be more like Christ every day, our lives will naturally mirror those characteristics in abundance. (Philippians 3:7-11, 1 John 2:6, 1 John 3:2)

I found this lovely chart that serves as an excellent guide to promote Christ-like character qualities. This will help parents to equip their child to develop those qualities. As the Bible instructs them train their children in the ways of the Lord while they’re young. (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:11; Genesis 18:18-19; Deuteronomy 11:19) The earlier they’re taught these principles, the easier it’ll be for them to love the Lord and cherish His ways when they’re adults. This chart has 49 Christ-like attributes to pick from and focus on implementing once a month. You can view the chart {here}

In addition, I found another printable {here} that goes well with the character chart. It contains a list of positive affirmations to say to your child. A good idea is to incorporate scriptures with those affirmations to help build and foster self-esteem in a biblical way. 

Here's another resource for cultivating and nurturing children's identity in Christ {here}. To appreciate how God made them. 

It’s important to regularly study the Bible together as a family. Something I wish I had growing up. May we too strive to demonstrate the love and humility Jesus lived while there’s still time left.