Character and the Cross

By Mark Hamby

Character, whether good or bad, is revealed through one’s values. Values govern motives, and motives lead to action. Values, motives, and actions together determine one’s character.

In Philippians 2, the Apostle Paul directs us to follow Christ as our ultimate example in the formation of godly character.

Certainly good actions can accompany bad character. We are all too familiar with this hypocritical scenario. False or selfish motives can sour the sweetness of any good deed. But exemplary character has an underlying characteristic—selflessness—choosing to do “good” for the benefit of others without needing recognition. Paul challenges us to “look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Phil. 2:4)