Building A Character

Character does not come by chance. It is not determined by one outburst of temper. It is a repetition of the act that causes it to become a habit and molds the character either for good or evil.  Right characters can be formed ONLY by persevering, untiring effort, by improving every entrusted talent and capability to the glory of God
By EGW

Once upon a time, I thought it was enough to read bible stories, sing and pray with my children.I thought they would be obedient and perfect, until I started to hear and see ugly things.I would in turn become quite upset and throw a word or two of reproof, hoping to solve the problem. But I was wrong. The wisest man that once lived wrote these words:"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it"Prv 22v6.Notice he did not use the word "tell".You see we express ourselves for the most part through speech.  It was easier for me to just tell them through an outburst and expect them to listen.But the problem was not solved. Since then this is what I have learnt:

• Training requires time, a plan, consistency and patience. Every moment is an opportunity to train our children.
• Training too, requires us to model or show what we expect from them.  I was asking my children to some extent things that I was not practising.
• I have had to learn that children learn more from example.They copy our expressions, tone of voice,approach to difficult situations and mannerisms. What a responsibility we have to help form a godly character!
• All the above tells me one thing. It has to start with us-parents and guardians. We have to first make changes in our lives and our children will follow or copy. I expect my children to be kind,loving, gentle and patient. The question is am I practising all that. It starts with us. We need Jesus in our hearts, we need to die to self every moment and allow God to reign.
• The last thing is PERSEVERANCE!The clouds of discouragement will float by but do not give in. Proverbs 16v3 says: Commit thy ways unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. You must believe that you do not work alone. You are working with the Master builder. You are just a helping hand. God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit,and the Mighty Angels are working with you. For God does not want any to perish. His desire is to see you and your children in heaven. Be in the habit of claiming the precious promises. For his word is strength and health to the bones. If God is for us who can be against us............Read Romans 8v28,31-39

Stay Blessed