Defining Christian 'character'

Henry Ward Beecher was buying a horse and the owner was describing the animal:

"This horse is perfectly sound," he said. "He can go any gait - walk, pace, trot or gallop. He will stand without hitching and work any place you put him - on the off side or the near side - buggy, plow or wagon.

"He is perfectly gentle, though full of spirit; goes when you want him to go and stops when you say 'whoa.' He has not bad habits; will neither bite or kick, comes when you call him and does not run off when he sees anything strange."

Beecher looked admiringly at the animal and said wistfully, "Ah, I wish that horse were a member of my church."

Perfect horses and perfect church members are both hard to find, but the Apostle Paul had certain helpful, concrete suggestions concerning standards of character for mature Christians. He writes in Romans 12:16-18 (NLB) "Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible."

An analysis of the scripture passage reveals the following tests of a genuine Christian way of life:

1. Harmony. The real Christian earnestly desires to get along with his fellow men. He loves peace and is a man of good will. He too, is "perfectly gentle, though full of spirit."

2. Humility. Arrogance and status-consciousness are out of bounds for the Christian. He does not think of himself more highly than he ought. He will work "on the off side or the near side."

3. Honesty. The Christian is, above all, a man of integrity. At any cost he avoids duplicity and misrepresentation.

These characteristics recommend the Christian's faith to the world. And these marks of real greatness are attainable through the grace of the same God who caused them to be realized in the life of Paul. He was able to speak as he did because he knew the extent to which God can transform a life.

Albert Tilstra is pastor of Yerington and Silver Springs Seventh-day Adventist churches and is a member of the Carson City Ministerial Fellowship.