What Building Christian Character Really Means
Building Christian character is about becoming more like Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. It’s not about merely appearing moral on the outside; it’s about who you are at your core, being shaped by God’s love and truth.
This process involves an internal change that flows from a new heart, with Christlikeness as the goal. It’s a lifelong journey—empowered by the Holy Spirit, cultivated through spiritual disciplines, and evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.). Christian character is about “who a person is,” not just “what they do.” Like a potter shaping clay, God molds our lives into Christ’s likeness.
This matters because character affects every area of life, from family relationships to ministry leadership. By focusing on character, we become better witnesses for Christ and more effective leaders in His kingdom.
I’m Jeff Bogue, President of Momentum Ministry Partners. In my three decades of pastoral ministry, I’ve seen how building Christian character transforms lives and strengthens churches. At Momentum, our mission is to equip leaders to guide others on this essential journey of spiritual growth.
Why Cultivating Christian Character Matters
Building Christian character is the foundation for all spiritual growth. Without it, our faith can be shallow and our witness weak. This is true at any age, as character shapes how we respond to every situation life throws our way.
For young people, it provides the tools to steer peer pressure and make wise decisions. For adults, character determines our effectiveness as leaders, parents, and witnesses. At Momentum Ministry Partners, we see godly character as the cornerstone of effective ministry leadership. Leaders with integrity, humility, and love create environments where others can flourish spiritually.
Our character is a powerful witness. In a culture lacking moral clarity, consistent Christ-like character stands out. It also deepens our relationship with God, as we respond to the love He has already given us.
The Foundation: A Deeper Relationship with God
Building Christian character isn’t about trying harder to be good; it’s about growing deeper in love with God. Character flows naturally from our relationship with Him. When we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, our character begins to reflect His nature.
This is why the fruit of the Spirit isn’t a checklist but the natural outcome of the Holy Spirit working within us. The more time we spend with God through prayer, worship, and His Word, the more we become like Him. This is heart change, not just behavior modification. God changes who we are at our core. For students, understanding this connection is vital, as explored in our resource on The Basics of Spiritual Growth in Students.
A Legacy for the Next Generation
One of the most compelling reasons to focus on building Christian character is the legacy it leaves. As parents and mentors, we model Christ-like character for the next generation. Young people absorb not just what we say but how we live.
Building godly character in young people prepares them for life in ways academic achievement alone cannot. It gives them a strong moral compass, rooted in biblical principles, to fulfill their God-given purpose. They learn to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
At Momentum Ministry Partners, we know this requires a partnership between parents, churches, and ministry leaders. We equip leaders to create environments where character development flourishes. By investing in character today, we are shaping the future of the church and our communities.
The Core Components of a Christ-Like Character
When we think about building Christian character, imagine a healthy tree. The fruit it bears represents Christ-like qualities growing from a strong root system connected to God. The goal isn’t to manufacture these traits through willpower, but to cultivate them as the Holy Spirit works in us. These are foundational qualities that Scripture highlights as essential for Christ-likeness.
The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
The Apostle Paul describes these qualities as the “fruit of the Spirit” because they grow naturally when we are surrendered to Christ.
- Love: Selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the best for others.
- Joy: Unshakeable contentment that comes from knowing God is in control, independent of circumstances.
- Peace: Inner calm and trust in God’s sovereignty, even in chaos.
- Patience: Enduring difficult situations and people without losing your temper.
- Kindness: Actively showing compassion and gentleness to others.
- Goodness: Actively seeking to do what is right and beneficial.
- Faithfulness: Being reliable, trustworthy, and keeping your commitments.
- Gentleness: Strength combined with humility; not being harsh or overbearing.
- Self-control: Managing thoughts, emotions, and desires to honor God.
Paul’s Example for Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12)
In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul gives practical areas where character is demonstrated:
- Word: Our speech—using words to build up, not tear down.
- Conduct: Our lifestyle—involving God in every area of life.
- Love: A giving, selfless love that marks us as Jesus’ disciples.
- Spirit: Our inner disposition—radiating the life of Christ with enthusiasm and joy.
- Faith: Trusting God’s promises in every circumstance.
- Purity: Keeping ourselves morally, physically, and spiritually clean.
Foundational Character Traits
Beyond these frameworks, other traits contribute to a well-rounded Christian life:
- Honesty: Telling the truth and avoiding deception, which builds trust.
- Humility: Recognizing our dependence on God and esteeming others.
- Courage: Doing what’s right, even when it’s scary or unpopular.
- Determination: Persevering through challenges without giving up.
- Respect: Honoring God, people, and property with dignity.
- Integrity: Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
Building Christian character is a lifelong journey of allowing God to shape us. The good news is that we don’t do it alone—the Holy Spirit is our helper every step of the way.
Practical Strategies for Building Christian Character
Building Christian character requires intentionality and daily commitment. Think of it like tending a garden: we create the right conditions for growth, then trust the Holy Spirit to do the changing work. This is a grace-filled process where we partner with God.
Personal Growth Through Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines are practical ways we open our hearts to God’s grace. These habits create space for Him to shape us from the inside out.
- Daily Bible reading transforms our thinking. Methods like SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) help us apply God’s truth.
- Prayer is an ongoing conversation with God that strengthens our inner person and aligns our hearts with His.
- Scripture memorization equips us with divine wisdom for moments of temptation or decision.
- Worship shifts our focus from ourselves to God, fostering humility and gratitude.
- Fellowship with other believers provides encouragement, accountability, and a place to practice character traits like patience and forgiveness.
- Stewardship of our time, money, and health demonstrates that our faith is practical. Learn more about this at Christian Stewardship.
A Parent’s & Mentor’s Guide to Building Christian Character in Young People
Shaping young hearts is a great privilege and responsibility. Building Christian character in students requires patience, consistency, and grace.
- Model Christ-like behavior: Young people learn more from watching you than from listening to you. Let them see you live with integrity and apologize when you fall short.
- Use teachable moments: Life provides countless organic opportunities to discuss character, from compassion to perseverance.
- Be intentional: Family devotions and character-building stories help young people understand what godly character looks like.
- Correct with Scripture: Guide young people with God’s Word, not just your opinion. This teaches them that character standards come from God.
- Provide godly role models: Mentorship is powerful. At Momentum Ministry Partners, we equip leaders to be positive influences. Learn more at Christian Mentoring.
Manifesting Character in Daily Life
Real character shows up in ordinary moments.
- Integrity in the workplace means doing your best work, being honest, and treating colleagues with respect. This builds trust and opens doors to share your faith.
- Honesty in relationships involves keeping promises and speaking the truth in love.
- Serving others reflects the heart of Jesus. Look for simple ways to help those around you.
- Excellence in small tasks reveals true character. As Jesus taught in Luke 16:10, faithfulness in little things prepares us for greater responsibilities. Find more on this at Demonstrating Faith in the Workplace.
Building Christian character is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient and trust that God is at work in you.
Overcoming Common Obstacles on the Path to Godliness
The journey of building Christian character is not without challenges. We will face obstacles that test our resolve, but God’s grace is always sufficient. We must accept failure as part of the growth process, learn from our mistakes, and persevere.
Battling Worldly Influences and Peer Pressure
Living as a Christian means being in the world but not of the world (John 15:19). Worldly influences can challenge our commitment to Christ-like character.
- Media Discernment: We must guard our minds by being selective about the movies, music, and social media we consume.
- Choosing Friends Wisely: Close friends who share our commitment to Christ provide essential support and accountability.
- Resisting Peer Pressure: Developing the courage to stand for our convictions, even when it’s unpopular, is a vital part of character.
Momentum Ministry Partners helps young people steer these pressures. Explore this topic in our resource Christian Values Meet Culture.
Dealing with Personal Failings and Sin
We will inevitably stumble. How we respond to our sin is critical for growth.
- Repentance: This involves acknowledging our sin, turning from it, and turning back to God.
- God’s Forgiveness: We must accept God’s abundant forgiveness and not hold onto guilt or shame.
- Dying to Self: This is a continuous process of choosing God’s will over our own sinful desires.
- Avoiding Discouragement: View mistakes as opportunities for growth. Learn from them and press forward with God’s help.
- The Problem of Suffering: Adversity and suffering can refine our character and deepen our trust in God. For more on this, read Why Does God Allow Evil?.
Frequently Asked Questions about Building Christian Character
How is Christian character different from just being a “good person”?
While being a “good person” focuses on external behavior, often for self-improvement or societal approval, building Christian character is an inside-out process. It’s rooted in a transformed heart through Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The motivation is not just to look good, but to glorify God by becoming more like Jesus. It’s the difference between acting loving and being a loving person because God’s love flows through you.
Where should I start if I feel overwhelmed?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The best approach is to start small and start with prayer. Ask God to show you one character trait He wants you to focus on first—perhaps patience or kindness. For one week, study what the Bible says about it and actively look for opportunities to practice it. Celebrate small victories and learn from stumbles. Building Christian character is a grace-filled process, not a performance review. As you grow in one area, it will strengthen others.
Can my character truly change?
Yes, absolutely. The Bible is filled with examples of radical character change, like the Apostle Paul, who went from persecuting Christians to becoming a devoted follower of Christ. This wasn’t just behavior modification; it was a fundamental heart change through the work of the Holy Spirit.
While it’s a lifelong journey with setbacks, real change is possible as we cooperate with God’s Spirit. The key is understanding that this change comes through God’s power, not human effort alone. By engaging in spiritual disciplines, we allow the Holy Spirit to do the changing work.
Conclusion
We’ve explored that building Christian character is not about following rules but about allowing God to transform us from the inside out. The goal is to become more like Jesus, which is a natural result of walking closely with Him.
This journey involves every area of our lives—our speech, conduct, faith, and purity. It requires intentional practices like prayer and Bible study, but it’s a life-giving process that connects us to God’s changing power. As parents and mentors, we have the incredible privilege of modeling this for the next generation.
While we will face obstacles, God’s grace is always sufficient. Every failure is an opportunity to experience His forgiveness and grow stronger.
At Momentum Ministry Partners, we’ve seen how building Christian character transforms individuals, families, and churches. We are passionate about equipping leaders to guide others on this essential journey. Your character-building journey can start today with a simple prayer, asking God to show you one area where He wants to work.
This is a lifelong journey empowered by the Holy Spirit. You don’t have to do it in your own strength. God meets us where we are and lovingly shapes us into the people He created us to be.
We’re here to support you. To learn how we partner with local churches to provide life-changing experiences and practical leadership training, please visit Learn more about our Youth Ministry resources. Together, let’s build character that honors God and impacts the world for His kingdom.
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