Transforming Into The Beauty of Christ  18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever- increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  NIV Text: II Cor. 3:18

Character is Important “Character is like a tree and reputation is like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it: the tree is the real thing.” – Abraham Lincoln Hardships build character. Character-building is a process – “…we glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulations produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope...” (Ro. 5:1-5) Let’s explore the model and five key character-building principles. Links in a chain: One can’t have a good character without good morals. One can’t have a good reputation without a good character. One can’t have a good influence without a good reputation.

Conceptual Character-Building Model  Born Again - Jn. 3:5  Babes in Christ - I Pt. 2:2  Become a Disciple - Lk. 14:25-33  Image of Christ – II Co. 3:18; Rev. 1:12-20  Our Master – Lk. 6:40  Mind of Christ – Ph. 2:5  True God – Jn. 17:3  Author and Finisher of Our Faith – Hb. 12:1-2 “…And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Ro. 12:1-2) Transformation Process Ro. 12:1-2; Hb. 5:12-14

We Become What We Contemplate Thought creates character - “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” (Pr. 23:7) Meditate on God’s words – “…But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night...” (Ps. 1 ) Christ means nothing in our lives, until He is everything. – “…must forsake all to be His disciple… and seek first the kingdom of God” (Lk. 14:25-33; Mt. 6:33) Peter grew from “denying the Lord” to being a “pillar in the church.” (Lk. 22:32; Ga. 2:9)

We Become What We Contemplate We imitate what we think about –“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (I Co. 11:1) We must prevent, not suppress, adverse characteristics forming in our minds. – “…For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks…outwardly appear as white washed tombs…” (Mt. 23:27-28; 12:34) Visualize and contemplate what you want to become and one day you will see a reflection of the very image.

Meditate on Good Things Thinking right thoughts is the best way to change into the beauty of Jesus - “…whatever things are true…noble…just…pure…lovely…good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” (Ph. 4:8) We must plant good seeds to produce good fruit “the seed is the word of God.” (Lk. 8:15) Our conscious mind reasons while the subconscious automatically reacts to what we believe is true. – “…the answer of a good conscious toward God...” (I Pt. 3:21)

Meditate on Good Things Replace bad seeds of revenge, fear, bitterness and criticism with love, forbearance, sympathy, and kindness. – “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.” (Ep. 4:31-32) “Do not avenge yourselves…do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Ro. 12:17-21) Like the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:25-37), we must continually think of our duty to God and others.

Maintain a Good Attitude Being happy is a state of mind – “Blessed are… the poor in spirit…mourn…meek…hunger and thirst …merciful…pure in heart…peacemakers…persecuted.” (Mt. 5:1-12) Happiness can be delusional - “Take heed beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses.” (Lk. 12:15) Fear, tension, frustration, and insecurity robs us of happiness. – “Vanities of vanities, says the Preacher; Vanities of vanities, all is vanity.” (Eccl. 1:2; 12:12-13)

Love in Action Produces Fruit Applying love in our lives will produce fruit – “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control. Against such there is no law…” (Ga. 5:22-23) Possess the same mind as Christ - “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...” (Ph. 2:5) Love is expressed upward, inward and outward. – “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (I Co. 13:13)

Continue to Build a Godly Character Growing in the Christian graces – “…giving all diligence, add…faith…virtue…knowledge…self-control … perseverance…godliness…brotherly kindness…love …if you do these things you will never stumble.” (II Pt. 1:5-11) Take care what you use to build your house - “…you are God’s building…no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ….” (I Co. 3:9-17) Any worthy achievement in life demands practice. (Hb.. 12:1-2)

Key Christian Character Qualities Toward God and Christ – Faith, belief, holiness, worship, godliness, obedience, love, joy, imitation, and fellowship. Toward the world – Chastity, contentment, diligence, forbearance, honesty, industry, love enemies, peacefulness, temperance, tolerance, zeal for good works. Toward other Christians – Bearing burdens, helping the needy, fellowship, brotherly kindness, and edification. Internal graces – Meekness, humility, gentleness, love, self-control, peace.

Remember The Model and Key Principles We Become What We Contemplate Meditate on Good Things Maintain a Good Attitude Love in Action Produces Fruit Continue to Build a Godly Character “…And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Ro. 12:1-2)

What Does It Mean To Be A Christian? A New Relationship – “For the love of Christ constrains us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves.” (II Co. 5:14-15) New Blessings – “…who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…” (Ep. 1:3, 7) New Loves – “…set your mind on things above…seek first the kingdom of God…” (Col. 3:1-2; Mt. 6:33) New Responsibilities – “…Be faithful unto death…” (Re. 2:10; Jude 3; Hb. 10:25; Mt. 5:16; Ep. 4:16) New Hopes – “In My Father’s house are many mansions…where I am there you may be…” (Jh. 14:1-3)