From My Perspective - - -

Character is a term that is applied in different ways. If there is a stage production or film presentation, normally there would be a list of several who are fulfilling the role of a character in the stage production or film presentation. These people are known as actors/actresses because they endeavor to give the observer and viewer an enactment of what a particular life or subject is about. There are other applications for the term character but the focus here will be somewhat narrower and according to a more strict definition. In Wikipedia, the following definition is found: “The word character is derived from the Greek word charaktêr, which was originally used of a mark impressed upon a coin. Later and more generally, it came to mean a point by which one thing was told apart from others…” When this term is used in manuscripts from which the Holy Bible was translated, the word charaktêr means “express image” or becoming like another to such a degree that the similarity becomes obvious. In the mintage of coins or some other manufactured goods, they are said to be die-cast. When something is “die-cast”, it is “…to shape or form a metal or plastic object by introducing molten metal or plastic into a reusable mould, especially under pressure, by gravity, or by centrifugal force.” The purpose for this process is to produce an end result – uniformity to what is being minted or manufactured. The end-product should be an exact duplication because of the die-cast process and the constant pressure that has been applied.

There is an organization formed that has named itself The Character Council. Each month, they issue one Character Trait or Quality for an individual to assess. For May 2011, the Character Trait is Discernment. The following is what is shared: “Discernment (versus Shortsightedness) – “…the definition is very simple: Understanding the deeper meaning of why things happen. This definition allows us to look at discernment in terms of simple problem solving or curiosity that prompts us to discover the “whys”…Crime scene investigators often look for patterns when solving a crime so they can understand the deeper reasons why things happen. It is structured problem solving that ties together the facts to come to a solution. It is using not only our mind, but our gut - our intuition - to sort through the facts and arrive at the truth…Rather than jumping to hasty conclusions, take the time to understand the deeper reasons why things happen and use discernment to arrive at better solutions.”

As a child growing up, one of the favorite Hymns that was sung often was, “Onward, Christian Soldiers. This was a Hymn that was sung at the end of the 1942 Academy Award Winning film, Mrs. Minerva; and it was also sung at the Funeral of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the National Cathedral in 1969.  Some of the words used in this Hymn championed this concept: “Like a mighty army moves the Church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod. We are not divided, all one body we, One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.” The force of this Stanza is to emphasize unity, as well as clarity and commonality in purpose. Another Stanza contains: “Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, But the church of Jesus constant will remain…” The emphasis is that regardless of anything else that occurs or impacts world governments and kingdom rules – the Church of Jesus Christ remains constant!

Is the word “constant” descriptive of where the Church of Jesus Christ is today? Does it represent for us the impact of Christian Character. One webpage (BillGotherd.com) makes these statements about Christian Character: “…This impression with its particular features was considered as the exact representation of the object whose image it bore…In Hebrews 1:3, Christ is referred to as the express image of God; He fully expressed the character of God through His life. One of God’s primary goals for believers is to transform them into the image of His Son so that they may be a reflection of the character of Christ. We can take comfort in this purpose when we experience difficulties because - We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).” Do an inventory of your life and determine where you are in terms of Christian Character. Is there evidence of the “express image” of Christ in your life? Consider these things with me!