Character Counts

In life it is often those who lack character who reach the "top". Whether it be greed or thirst for power, the world view of what it takes to achieve success is in complete opposition to the Spirit of God. Concepts like; "survival of the fittest" and "every man for himself" destroy loyalty and create discord in the work place. Additionally, the wake of such individuals is usually filled with brokenness: promises, marriages, families and lives left in pieces.

On the contrary,those seeking higher planes of intimacy with the Lord, must pay close attention to their character. According to Oswald Chambers; "A higher state of mind and spiritual vision can only be achieved through the higher practice of personal character."

Keeping our focus on Christ indeed will help us stay on the center of the path marked out for us. Likewise, tending to any frayed edges in our character will certainly aid in our ascension to higher thinking and behavior. Revelation of what Christians are to aspire to--what character traits they are to possess--are found in the scriptures. God makes the path to Himself clear for any who choose to take it.

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy," (1 Peter 1:15-16NIV).

Holy living does not come natural to man, therefore, believer's are dependant on the work of the Holy Spirit to instruct and guide them along the way. However, the Spirit will not do all the work. Christians seeking higher ground must labor on their end of the relationship as well. Spending time in prayer, reading God's word and obeying the Lord's teachings are important practices to experience accurate hearing of the Spirit. How will a believer recognize the Lord's voice if they do not spend time listening...getting familiar with it? One comes to know the character of God through His Word and therefore, can identify what is of God in life.

For instance, when the flesh wants to respond to an injustice, the believer's spirit seeks counsel from the bank of knowledge they have in Christ. Scripture is brought to mind by the Holy Spirit: like, "If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also," (Matthew 5:39NIV) or "forgive everyone who sins against us," (Luke 11:4NIV), and "A gentle answer turns away wrath," (Proverbs 15:1 NIV). These prompts help the believer and caution them as they encounter life day by day.

Journeying with the Spirit and heeding the Lord's instructions, over time builds holy character in the believer. Thereby, the Father, "invites" focused seekers to higher paths, where grander visions and deeper intimacy with God is found,(Chambers). Oswald Chambers encourages the Church with this insight; "if you live up to the highest and best that you know in the outer level of your life, God will continually say to you, "Friend, come up even higher."

Higher planes of intimacy with the Lord are indeed attainable. However, invitations from our heavenly Father are extended according to the heart of His child. While the world clambers about, trying to climb a rickety ladder, Christians will gain spiritual success with their knees firmly planted on the ground. In the humble state of submission, the Lord will reveal more of himself and expand our view. The elation which comes from beholding something more of God, is beyond any satisfaction the world has to offer. Likewise, eyes that are granted spiritual sight, are of greater worth than all the treasure on earth.