This question is fundamental to understanding our identity and existence. If we say God is faithful, then faithfulness is not just an attribute of God; it is the very essence of His being. In this way, who we are is intrinsically linked to who we are becoming. When we ask, "Who is God?" I respond by saying, "God is faithfulness."
This statement is more than just a definition; it's an invitation to see God as the height of dependable reliability and consistency. In my experience, God has shown himself to be the epitome of faithfulness. And how is this so? Because God's faithfulness never wavers, regardless of the events or shifts in my life's equations, be it hardships, victories, joys, or sorrows.
Unlike human nature, which can change or be influenced by external factors, God does not change. He is the steadfast anchor amid life's storms. This unchanging nature is what makes God faithfulness personified. His faithfulness is not just an abstract quality; it is a living, breathing truth that defines who He is.
This understanding of God leads us to a deeper contemplation of character. What does it mean to have character, and why does it matter? Character is the essence of who we are, the defining quality that remains constant despite the changing circumstances around us. Character development, then, is about becoming—about asking ourselves, "Who are you becoming?" and "What core constant defines you?" God, as an entity, is many things. To some, He is justice; to others, He is love, mercy, or strength. But to me, He is Faithfulness-Hessed —a faithful love that never wavers. This is why character is so crucial; it forms the foundation of trust. Trust is built upon knowing that there is a reliable constant at the core of a person or an entity, something unchanging that we can depend on. Who you are fundamentally determines what you are capable of and how you will act. More importantly, who you are becoming determines what will become of you.
If God is faithfulness, then He becomes the ultimate entity of faithfulness. Therefore, when we seek true faithfulness in our lives, we are, in essence, seeking God. Our lives are a journey of becoming, a process of shaping ourselves into something constant and steadfast. We become a constant, a core identity that can be applied to any challenge, any situation, or any relationship. This idea of becoming a constant is powerful. It suggests that we are not merely defined by the transient phases of our lives but by the steady foundation we lay. A true constant becomes a building block, a reliable pillar, an unshakeable force that stands firm regardless of external influences. This is the growth constant of humanity—to strive for a character that is unyielding and faithful, like that of God.
So, who are you? Who are you becoming? What is the constant that defines you? These are not just philosophical questions but practical ones that shape our lives and relationships. If God is faithfulness and we are called to reflect His nature, then our journey is one of becoming reliable, steadfast, and true. This is the essence of the Christ-like character; this is the essence of life.
The profound reality that "Man is the influenced, not the influence" spotlights the crucial role character plays in a man's life. There are invisible forces that shape the way people think and act. These entities without bodies and principalities determine the cultures and norms in a given space and can influence men to act, think and believe in a certain way. Of course, these entities and principalities are enabled by priesthood.
However, men with Christ-like character can resist the pressure to conform. Principalities prevalent in the world today, often use the talents, skills, and personalities of persons –whose character development has been compromised in exchange for power, influence, or wealth, to perpetuate these norms. Yet, a person of the Christ-like character remains unmoved, even when confronted with ordinances that seek to undermine their values. So, when a "Brain-Jotter" actuates an ordinance (or a 'trend'); a man embodying the character of Christ is unmoved by the influence coming from such a channel.
Character development is built on the strength of one's human spirit. No man is infallible. Every man has his weaknesses, however, what does it take for him to succumb to the desires of his flesh?
Nonetheless, according to scriptures, God will not let us be tested beyond what we can bear. "For no temptation –no matter how it comes or where it leads, has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man". In other words, no temptation or trial that man has ever faced is beyond his capacity to resist, and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as he can bear.
It takes deep convictions and experiential knowledge to build the foundation of character in a man. In other words, the "why" must be stronger than his desire to break character.
God's ultimate goal for humanity is to shape us into people of character. The story of Job is a testament to this, for Job's test was a defining moment –to see Job's strength of character. This is proof that it's not the circumstances or situations we face that define us, but rather, our response and reactions to these orchestrated situations. God is more concerned with who we are becoming than what we are doing.
As we grow in God through Christ and His grace, we become His bragging right– a testimony against the devil (the accuser) that is always seeking to undermine our character. Who are you becoming? If our pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom doesn't lead us to develop character, then we have missed the essence of God's intricate work in our lives. It is also essential to add that this journey of becoming is not just about individual transformation; it's also about reflecting God's nature in our relationships and social spheres. When we embody the Christ-like character, we create a ripple effect of trust, reliability, and faithfulness that inspires others to do the same. We become beacons of hope, shining brightly in a pitch black world that often values fleeting success over enduring character.
In the end, it's not about what we achieve or accumulate; it's about who we are becoming. Are we becoming people of this divine character, reflecting the faithfulness and true nature of God? Or are we allowing external influences to shape us into something less than what God intended? The choice is ours, and the consequences of that choice will shape not only our lives but also the world around us.
So, I urge you to ask yourself again, "Who am I becoming?" and "What is the constant that defines me?" May our pursuit of the Christ kind of character be a lifelong journey, one that leads us deeper into the heart of God and further into the world, where we can make a lasting impact for His glory.
