Christian Character

C.S. Lewis was one of the greatest authors of the 20th century. An atheist for many years, he set out to disprove the claims of Christianity. But as Lewis began his research, he discovered that following Jesus Christ actually is the most logical thing in the world. So he was converted.

C.S. Lewis wrote many, many books. But one of his phrases that I’ve always liked best is this: “Character is formed by our little, private choices.”

Isn’t that true? Secretly in your heart, day-by-day, you make little private choices. And those choices dictate whether you will influence people for God’s Kingdom, or draw them away from God. Lewis also wrote: “It is the accumulation of those little private choices that make you into a demonic, ugly, harsh person, or into a tender, kind, mature person.” Wow — that’s sobering!

By our daily choices we either grow into one type of person or the other. So how can we make sure we’re moving toward maturity, and making an eternal difference in people around us?

Our little private choices are molded by having been in the presence of God. As we spend time with God each day, — reading His word, listening to His spirit, talking with Him in prayer — we’ll become mature and loving Christians. Then God will use us to leave His fingerprint of love on the hearts of people we meet.