Developing Character

Developing Character by Sonny Weathers


The first and foremost Marine Corps leadership principle is to “know
yourself and seek self improvement.” I often wonder why we regularly skip
right past this principle in life and living. Before we master anything
else, we have the task of knowing and accepting who we are as God defines
it. In the Book of Proverbs, Chapter 3 and verse 6 the Bible says, “In all
your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” If we
want to be straight with God and each other—if we really desire authentic
community with God and others—then we need to take time to discover and
accept who we are and all the ways that come with it. Some synonyms of
authentic are genuine, true, reliable, and dependable … so when we talk
about authentic community you can know that we are talking about healthy
relationships with God and others that are genuine, true, reliable, and
dependable!


We are overwhelmingly attracted to people of authentic character. Who
a person is and how they relate with God and others matters more than what
a person does or how well they do it. Even if you stripped away the many
benefits God provides … We are still drawn to Him simply for who He is.
Consider that if this is how we are with God and others … this is how God
and others are with us. Stop being defined by what you have done and where
you have been and start being known for who God designed you to be. By
trying to be someone you are not you will never be loved for who you are!


Read and consider the following Bible verses:


Psalm 119:13-18; John 3:16; Philippians 2:12-16; 2 Peter 1:3-10; Colossians
3:1-4:6; Ephesians 4:20-24; 2 Corinthians 1:12