Building Character
Imagine each of us as a character you’d pick when starting a video game. You load up the screen, flip through the lineup, and choose—every character’s got their own stats and skills that make them who they are. One’s a powerhouse of endurance, another’s lightning-fast, and maybe there’s a strategist who’s always three steps ahead. We’re wired like that too. We step into life with our own unique traits—some shining bright, others barely flickering—carved out by the homes we grew up in, the hurdles we hit, and the faith we hold in God to pull us through. One person might have resilience that could weather any storm. Another might carry compassion that warms everyone around them. Someone else could have a natural authority that commands respect, while another stays patient no matter how long the wait. But it’s not all top-tier stuff—think of someone loaded with knowledge but missing the wisdom to use it, so it just sits there, useless. Or someone with deep faith but so little confidence they can’t even hint at it to others.
It’s easy to get cozy with what we’re good at. We keep pouring effort into those strong traits, like a gamer who only buffs their character’s best ability, while the weaker ones fade into the background. Picture a guy who’s all about arm workouts—he hammers those bicep curls until his arms are massive, but he never touches the rest. What’s he end up with? A bulky upper body teetering on skinny legs, looking odd and probably unsteady on his feet. That’s us when we don’t spread the effort around. God’s not after that—He wants us balanced, strong and steady in every corner of our lives.
Those traits we’ve got? They don’t just define us—they shape what we’re meant to bring to the table. Take someone with a knack for discernment—they can cut through confusion like a blade. But if they’re low on patience or grace, that gift might go sideways, turning into snap judgments instead of insight. Or say someone’s got vision—they see possibilities others miss—but if their character’s shaky, their focus gets blurry, chasing the wrong targets. Then there’s creativity—a spark that can light up the world—but if it’s aimed at selfish or harmful ends, it’s wasted. Our strengths and weaknesses are all tied together, and if we don’t build up the weak spots, even our best gifts can falter.
Here’s the game-changer: God doesn’t leave us stuck where we are. He’s got a way of taking our low points and turning them into something powerful. Maybe you grew up overeating—could’ve been stress, habits, or just tough days—and it left a mark on your body. But then God walks you through it, helps you shed that weight, and suddenly you’ve got something new. That struggle becomes a strength—a toughness, a story of breaking through—that wasn’t there before. It’s like God hands you a new tool, forged from the hard stuff you overcame with Him.
So, let’s take stock. What’s your high ground? Maybe you’ve got grit that keeps you pushing when others would quit. Or a heart that lifts everyone up. Maybe you’ve got a voice people can’t ignore, or patience that outlasts any chaos. Now, what’s lagging? Are you packed with info but unsure how to act on it? Full of belief but too quiet to share it? Seeing big dreams but tripping over bad habits? How do you step up? What can you do to strengthen those weaker areas so your whole self—your inner core—stands taller? It might mean asking God for boldness if you’re timid, or focus if you’re scattered. He’s the one who can flip your lowest stats into your biggest wins—think of that overeating battle turned into proof of His strength in you. What’s your next play to grow into the person He’s shaping you to be?