Character

[Coaching Lesson #1 from Reverb Network’s Serving Leadership Development Program—Beginning the Journey, Phase 1]

Character is defined as “the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.” A person’s character (good or bad) can be observed in their actions and behavior.

Godly character can be defined as “the ability to discern God’s right way from the wrong, and to voluntarily surrender one’s own will to do what is right in God’s sight and, with the promised help of the Holy Spirit, to resist the wrong even under pressure and temptation.”

What Does Godly Character Look Like? The New Testament teaches us that Godly character is demonstrated by the “Fruit of the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-23 states: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” 

Case Study: Daniel—A Leader with Godly Character (Daniel 2:1-49)

Daniel demonstrates for us why developing Godly character is important to us as leaders. Daniel could have tried to merely survive his experience as a captive in a foreign land. Instead, he never left his disciplined life of character and personal commitment to follow God.

Daniel refused to compromise and eat unclean food. He did not take credit for interpreting dreams, but instead gave the glory to God. He spoke the truth to authorities, regardless of its unpopularity. He continued to pray daily, even though it might cost him his life. He remained faithful to his God and his convictions even as he rose to positions of great authority.

Character is the foundation on which a leader builds his or her life. It all begins with character because leadership operates on the basis of trust. People will follow a leader only so far as they trust him or her. Character communicates credibility, creates consistency, and earns trust. Leaders cannot rise above the limitations of their character.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does a leader develop Godly character?
2. Why does it take time to develop one’s character?
3. Based on 2 Peter 1:2-11, what process does God use to build our character?
4. In light of Philippians 4:8-9, how would those who follow you respond if you were to tell them what Paul wrote?
5. Of the nine qualities listed above in Galatians 5:22-23, which ones do you need to improve upon?