by Elizabeth Haarberg

“We are all works in progress.”

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Definition of Character: ‘the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.’ and ‘moral excellence and firmness.’

Who defines what good or bad character is?

We can look at the fruit of the Spirit and acts of the flesh to get an insight into good or bad character.

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Galatians 5:19-23

So, if character can be defined by outward acts in our lives how do we change what’s happening on the inside if we have exhibited bad character? What we know is that Jesus died and the Holy Spirit is here to clean up our mess.

As much as I love Jesus I still see garbage rise up in me periodically. The trash is not as prevalent as it was before I knew Christ but, for example, I can let my emotions rule me in the name of standing up for my children in a situation where I think they were treated unfairly.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23

One of my favorite phrases is “We’re all works in progress.” Because God is infinite, our refinement is infinite. We will never be done with the process of becoming the image of Christ until our last breath.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23

We get a fresh start every day because God’s mercies are new every morning. We may have to deal with the mess we caused but because His love never leaves or fails I know when I fall it’s never away from Him.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado