Character Matters

Look at who’s back here in 2021?!! Who else was deeply uncomfortable with the changes and drastic change that 2020 brought? We know we were for sure. But hey, we made it through every one of them by God’s Grace and what else can we say but THANK YOU to the One who sustains us? Okay okay; we know what you’re thinking: we took a french leave and left you all high and dry and now we’re acting like we’re all cool (and stuff) lol. Forgive us. 


Becky and I had some very life changing things happen to both of us since our last post and praise God it was all very glorious. We hope we are forgiven and we can pick up where we left off. Trust us, we will give you enough notice if there’s ever going to be another break (hopefully not anytime soon). Now, even though we’re terribly late to the party, WELCOME TO 2021! Hopefully, you haven’t already defaulted on your new year resolutions. If you have, the year is still very young; get back on track and let’s do this. 


Today’s post is a really quick one, but we want to encourage you from Philippians 2:13 which reads " for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure". In all of our resolutions, goals and aspirations, what we have learnt by experience is that, building character is the number one thing that gets us anywhere and produces any result we expect. It is a conscious, transformative process that is initiated by the Holy Spirit. There are so many aspects of our lives that need sharpening at every point in time. 


Recognizing and acknowledging that shortcoming is the first step to getting out of it. Self-help books are great, but we highly recommend the Bible. His word teaches us that in reading the Bible consistently, we begin to see ourselves the way we are and are gradually transformed into the image of ultimate perfection: Jesus. The reflection of Jesus in us is the character we build, the transformation we see and the eventual fulfilment and success we achieve. Think of it this way, if you haven’t had a change in character traits in at least a year, then whatever you are doing must be contributing very little to your wholesome development as a person. So in whatever you do, whatever you want to achieve, your goals and aspirations, find a one-stop source of inspiration, insight, strength, as well as spiritual growth: your Bible. 


Secondly, stay intentionally uncomfortable. Being consciously uncomfortable with where you are in your growth process keeps you on your toes for other ways in which the Holy Spirit can make you better; a better colleague, professional, minister, sibling, spouse, boss etc. 


Once you find that part that needs sharpening, you make the conscious effort to work as the Holy Spirit directs you. Be uncomfortable with submitting to your condescending boss, be uncomfortable with forgiving someone, be uncomfortable with initiating conversation, speaking in public - whatever it is - be uncomfortable with it but do it anyway. That’s the only way you can partner with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to effect change from one stage to the next. 


Conclusively, as we journey through this new year, remember that character matters and we must be open and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's word, to carve us into doing His will and good pleasure. 

Your friends, 

Becky and Sharon

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