By David Phillips
True Character
One of the interesting things about the nationwide COVID-19 crisis is the unprecedented revelation of true character it has brought about. We’ve always heard that true character comes out in a crisis – and now we can see it clearly. From the selfish “survival instinct” revealed by those who hoard hand sanitizer and toilet paper, to the frightening lust for power seen in many political leaders and public officials, we are getting a clear view of what people are made of.
It is a fact of human existence – put the pressure on and the “true colors” come out. The list of “pressure points” that many are feeling is lengthy: financial strain, cabin fever, limited social activities, scarcity of certain supplies, fear of the unknown, children under foot, working from home, the frustration of restriction, and on an on. What “colors” are we showing?
But not only does a crisis show our true character, a crisis can also help to develop our character.
Paul describes this “chain-reaction” that potentially takes place during a crisis in Romans 5:3-5. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (ESV)
I know many people in the world are suffering in all of this, but I’m a little bit nervous about giving anyone the impression that I am suffering. I’m reluctant to even claim light afflictions (2 Cor.4:17). So far, for me it’s been more like major inconvenience. I’ve got so much to be thankful for, and I daresay you do too! But there is potential spiritual benefit even in the major inconveniences.
The dictionary defines character as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. As opposed to what is glimpsed on the outside, character is our reputation, what is truly seen on the “inside”. It is not the dressed-up pretense that can be given in a brief first impression, but a true revelation of what we are really like. Luke described the young man Timothy in this way as he identified him as someone whom Paul wanted with him in his work in Acts 16:1-3. A disciple was there, named Timothy…He was well-spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him… Later, when Paul writes to the church Philippi, he describes Timothy this way: But you know [Timothy’s] proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Therefore, I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me (Philippians 2:22-23 NKJV). Timothy’s reputation and his proven character helped to make him an asset to the Lord’s work.
The things we go through, especially the difficult things, build positive moral character, if we will let them. Talent is a gift, but character is a choice.
Here’s one more important truth about character: We will never be able to rise above the limitations of our character. Obviously, then, our true character is something we should take great interest in developing and improving. So, who are we, really? On the inside.