Character can be defined as
the inner or moral qualities that form the pattern of an individual’s
behaviour. Simply put, character is the lifestyle or the sum total of a person.
Character, as a general term,
can be good or bad.
COMPONENTS OF CHARACTER
Components are the different
parts that make up a thing or system. The components of character include;
·
THOUGHTS
Thoughts
are a most relevant part of character. The word of God says, ‘as a man thinks
in his heart, so is he’ (Prov 23:7)
·
IMAGINATIONS
Imagination
is the ability to create mental pictures in your mind and it can influence your
character a great deal.
Imagination
is seeing with the eyes of the mind. Be admonished, it is a man’ personal
responsibility to imagine productively (Gen 13:14-18). Equally worthy of note
is the scriptural fact that God does our imagination and much more. (Eph
3:20-21).
·
FEELINGS
Feelings,
though relevant, are not a reliable component of character. Feelings are often
short-lived, hence they are not a good determinant of Christian character
development.
Consequently,
Christians are admonished to ‘behave towards good feelings and not feel towards
good behavior’.
·
ATTITUDES
Attitudes
refer to men’ disposition or tendencies and have great influence on men’
character or behavior (Prov 20:11)
A
man’ character is shaped by his dominant disposition. Meanwhile, a man’
disposition is shaped by his dominant thoughts and imaginations.
·
ACTIONS
Actions
give expression to the totality of our character. What we think and imagine in
our minds is ultimately expressed in our outward behaviour.
Toa Maoni Hapa Chini
