What qualities of character does God want to cultivate in my life?

Deuteronomy 7:6“You are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.”

Whether ancient Israelites or a modern-day Christians, those who are called God’s people are special—holy, dedicated to the Lord, and chosen to be his own. This is a special privilege, but also a special responsibility because it requires you to try to model the very character of God.

1 Samuel 15:22“Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”

A sacrifice is offering God a gift; obedience is offering God yourself. This is one of the clearest indications that you are committed to godly character.

Ezekiel 18:5-9“Suppose a certain man is righteous and does what is just and right. He does not feast in the mountains before Israel’s idols or worship them. He does not commit adultery . . . He is a merciful creditor, . . . He does not rob the poor but instead gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy. He grants loans without interest, stays away from injustice, is honest and fair when judging others, and faithfully obeys my decrees and regulations. Anyone who does these things is just and will surely live, says the Sovereign Lord.”

Justice, righteousness, mercy, honesty, and fairness are essential traits of godly character.

Galatians 5:22-23The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

This list shows the qualities of character God wants in his people, and he gives his Holy Spirit to help grow this “fruit.” Clearly, it matters to God who you are and not just what you do. The way you do whatever you do matters a great deal.