Originally published Monday, 29 September 2014.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
This is a subject that is dear to my heart. But I have to tell you that it’s even dearer to God’s heart. Especially, in these latter times. It’s not enough to just go to church and do the good works, character must be attached to it. Unfortunately, it’s not being taught in many churches today. You either have to find it online in an article or blog post, or hear it on one of the television or radio broadcasts (maybe), go to the bookstore to find a title on the shelf or you might watch a sermon on YouTube about it. Unfortunately, it’s just not a popular topic. Yet, it’s very important to God.
I mentioned earlier that character must be attached to the good works that we do. And the reason for this is so that God can be glorified. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Our lifestyle should continually and purposefully reflect the light of God’s goodness and glory. People should want to know and live for Christ because of our godly conduct and character. But if we’re acting up, it will be hard for anyone to see Him or let alone, praise Him.
Jesus commands us in Matthew 5:15, “Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all.” (NLT) Now, really listen to what Jesus is saying here. He doesn’t want us to hide our light. Because if we are hiding our lights due to bad attitudes, disobedience, lack of submission and disrespect towards our authority, pride, lustful actions, just to name a few, people will not be able to see the light, which is Jesus Christ. This is dangerous if not corrected.
I want to pause here and say that if you’re doing any of these things listed above, now would be a good time to repent and ask God’s forgiveness. This is godly discipline and correction…and most importantly, its love. Proverbs 3:11-12 says, “My child, don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child whom he delights.” (NLT) Remember the truth hurts sometimes, but it will make you free (See John 8:32).
Listen sis. A BIG part of our purpose on this earth is to win other souls to Christ, not turn them away. Bad character turns people off and away. That’s why the Bible talks about being salt of the earth. Jesus tells us through Matthew 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor...” (NLT) So the point here is, “Don’t lose your flavor.”
Keep in mind, that our great enemy Satan wants us to lose our flavor, but not only that. He wants to kill our witness! The Bible tells us that Satan is a thief, a killer, and destroyer. He only wants to destroy everything that God has done in our lives. But we can’t let him. John 10:10 says, “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill, and to destroy. My purpose is to give life in all it fullness.” So let’s choose to live in that fullness through Christ.
A woman of godly character possesses integrity, purity, submission, obedience, and love. The Bible further describes it as fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (NLT) *This is what character looks like in real life, and this is what God wants us to have as godly women.
I want to add that this is a life process. So don’t go crazy trying to do this on your own or in a week. Trust me. God will give you opportunities to grow in character as you walk through this life. And know that you will make some mistakes along the way. However, the key in making fewer mistakes is recognizing where you are, while confessing it to God and keeping a repentant heart.
Also, know that you are not alone in the process. The Holy Spirit will be your guide along the way. He will show you what to say and how to act according to the truth daily. Jesus tells us in John 16:13 & 14, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not be presenting his own ideas; he will be telling you what he has heard…He will bring me glory by revealing to you whatever he receives from me.” So listen for Him.
Personally, I had a recent moment when I took heed to what the Spirit was whispering to me. It was one of submission to my hubby the other night. We were all ready to go to bed and I had just closed my eyes, and then he said, “Bey, it’s hot. Can you turn the thermostat down?” I was like, “Really, we’re in the bed already babe. Can you do it?” He didn’t move. Nobody moved. That’s when I heard the Holy Spirit say, “…wives must submit to your husbands in everything.”
I knew what I had to do. But I have to admit that it did bother me, because I do it most of the time. But I had a choice to make. Practice self-control and get up quietly and humbly turn the thermostat down. Or throw the covers off to show my aggravation and do it in a way that he would know that he could’ve done it himself.
In the end, I did what the Holy Spirit asked of me. And afterwards I got back in the bed quietly and waited patiently for a quick, “Thank you” (that never happened, because he’d already fallen asleep). Maybe my reward will come in heaven, I don’t know. LOL! But the point here was listening to the Holy Spirit and practicing that godly character of self-control. Remember Galatians 5:22-23.
I hope and pray that this post has helped you in your pursuit of becoming a woman of godly character. You are definitely not reading this by chance. God already knew that you would be reading this today. Also, don’t forget to read up on more articles, watch some videos, and get some other books or resources on this subject to help as you can continue growing in godly character. And read Matthew 7:20.
I pray you receive it well. And I pray that you will continue growing in love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control, purity, and integrity. I hope you’ll do the same for me. ;-) If so, thanks in advance! Love ya!
Remember that Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out.
*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! Don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye) and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!
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