x You never trust people who didn’t survive anything.

x Character is created out of tests.

x You are as safe as your character.
x You are not qualified to help someone if you have not been tested.
x Every true business must go through a period of bankruptcy.

CHARACTER
x Every success story has a story; never trust anyone who doesn’t have a story.
x Character controls your lifestyle.
x If you are not afraid to be discovered; you have character.
x Values are more important than vision.
x A lack of values will destroy your vision.
x A person of character has an alarm built in and it sounds off when it’s about to be violated.
x Your conscience is a divine alarm system.
x A person of character follows their conscience.
AND
x Vision without values is destiny without discipline.
x Vision is protected by values.
x The first thing God gave us is image; image is more important than power.
x Reputation is what others think about you; character is what you know about yourself.
x Character means you are the same all the time.
INTEGRITY
x What you are in private should be who you are in public.
x You are no better than your private life.
x Would you marry you with all that you know about you?
x Instant success is dangerous, God will not take you through a shortcut; he’s not fixing things,
he is fixing you. BY
x You can’t enjoy the struggle if you don’t know what it’s doing for you. Any test you don’t pass
you will have to do again. Let God chisel character in your life.
x Integrity is when your public life and private life become one.
RISPER CHEBII

[28] [1]
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank GOD for the work of this book. It has taken HIM for its beginning and
completion. My parents Mr. & Mrs. Chebii… I lack words. Thanks to Rev. Philip Kattam and his wife.
They are a great resource to me, Rev. Mike Bitock for being my spiritual dad. All other people who
have contributed a lot to my life may the LORD bless you.
[2]
x Character is image; you are stable, predictable, and dependable.
x Character- no matter what happens around you, you never change.
x Character is when people around you can predict what you are doing when no one is
watching.
x Character is when I can trust you even when I can’t see you.
x Character means you don’t have another life; you are the same in the day and the same in the
night.
x What do you do when the pressure comes? Do you collapse like Samson or do you stand like
Joseph? Both of them lost their clothing yet one of them stood past the test of the trials.
x “Hypocrite” simply means a person with many masks.
x The greatest compliment someone can tell you is that “I met you so many years ago and you
are still the same today.”
x Numbers and letters are characters because they don’t change.
x In business your character will protect your business.
x Trust is a product of passing tests over time.
x Character is a self-imposed discipline.
x Character is a commitment to set of values without compromise.
x Character is a dedication to a set of standards without wavering.
x Character is a constant effort to integrate one’s words, deeds, and actions.
x Pertaining to character- what I say, do and am should be the same.
x The same word for character is the same as Holy, that’s why God is Holy.
x Our goal in life should be to grow, but never change just like an apple tree that doesn’t turn
into an orange tree.
x You shouldn’t marry someone you didn’t test.
x Character is sacrificing to protect your convictions.
x It’s better to be respected than liked.
x Philosophy- means love to think, so be careful what you hear and think.
x Your character becomes your lifestyle.
x You shouldn’t want people around you who haven’t made any mistakes; you should want to
be around people who survived mistakes.
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 Chapter 10

QUOTES ON CHARACTER TABLE OF CONTENTS

Below are helpful quotes on character. Most of them by Dr. Myles Munroe.

x Character protects power and vision. Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................2

x Leadership is only as safe as your character.
Preface ...........................................................................................................................................4
x Your gift can never protect your character but your character will protect your gift.
x You were born to lead but you must become a leader. CHAPTER ONE: Introduction .................................................................................................5
x True leaders never seek followers.
x You cannot teach leadership; you give information that causes the leaders to develop. CHAPTER TWO: Determinants of character ................................................................6
x Your skill is what you do; your gift is who you are.
CHAPTER THREE: Developing the right character ................................................... 7
x Leadership is the capacity to influence others through inspiration geared by a passion.
x Never trust an untested person. CHAPTER FOUR: Character of God ...................................................................................8
x True leadership is finding something to die for.
x All great leaders are angry; the problem today is we don’t have enough angry leaders. CHAPTER FIVE: Developing the character of God.....................................................9
x True leaders do not seek followers; true leaders attract followers.
CHAPTER SIX: Points to note on character ............................................................... 12
x You are a tree, and you must know people come for the fruit not the tree.
x True leadership is not measured by how many people that serve you but how many people CHAPTER SEVEN: Integrity .................................................................................................. 13
you serve.
x Don’t depend on people to get your value. CHAPTER EIGHT: Principles of integrity ...................................................................... 16
x That’s why many famous singers and entertainers do drugs and overdose- because they
CHAPTER NINE: Qualities of a Christian leader ...................................................... 22
depend on people for their value.
x True leadership is determined by character. CHAPTER TEN: Quotes on character ............................................................................26
x Character is not a gift you are not born with.
x Character is developed; you can’t pray for it or fast for it. Character is the ability to go through
test and still remain.
x The foundation of leadership is character.
x Without character you will crumble like sand.
x Character is a word that means statue; it means to be set like dried cement.
[26] [3]
PREFACE
All of us are leaders in one way or another. We are leading in different domains; our churches,
community, and place of work, society and family. Leadership is not only verbal what I say but it is
also spiritual and physical what I do. Most people think that what they say is final but it is not. After
you talk people want to know who you are before the take in your advice.
The bible says you only punish disobedience once your obedience is complete in the same field.
Most people today are busy talking instead of leading by example. When put the right foundation of
character you will have little to say because people will emulate you. Someone said your actions
speak much louder that I can’t hear what you are saying.
In the family, most parents are in conflict with their children for mistakes they commit, when they
themselves are doing it or did it. It does not work. Begin doing the right thing before teaching. You
can’t lead people to where you have not been.
Even in our nation we have lost integrity. That is why we have scandal after scandal. People don’t
mind doing the wrong thing as long as they get what they want.
There is a lot of moral decay today because leaders are saying silently do as I say not as I do. There is
no taste in leadership in them even in the church.
It is my prayer that as you go through this book GOD shall help you to develop the right character,
develop integrity, and have principles for the right leadership in JESUS name. Amen.
[4]
true, honourable, right, pure, of good repute, excellent, and worthy of praise Philippians 4: 8, we
imbibe into our spirits that which is in tune with the Spirit of God.
19. Upright
Titus 1: 8.
This is practical righteousness, which, because of its holiness, gives fairness, and discernment that
reflects the mind of Christ 1 Corinthians 2: 16. It is vital to leadership as is indicated by the failure
demonstrated in
1 Corinthians 6: 1- 6
“1 When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a
secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers! Don't you realize that
someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can't you
decide even these little things among yourselves? Don't you realize that we will judge angels? So you
should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. If you have legal disputes about such
matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? I am saying this to shame
you. Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? 6 But instead,
one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers!”
20. Holy
Titus 1: 8. The root of holiness is separation for a purpose. It is both a separation from the world and
a separation to God. Another word is consecration. The holiness that marked the life of Jesus, who,
living in the midst of sinners, was totally undefiled. It is that holiness without which no man will see
the Lord Hebrews 12: 14.
21. Disciplined
Titus 1: 8.
The disciplined life called for by the Bible will involve regular prayer, bible study, exercise, healthy
eating and fasting. Such good habits allow us to focus on God rather than being drawn away by
worldly activities. We need always to be clear that this approach is not a means of gaining credit with
God, but is a heartfelt expression of our devotion to him. "Salvation is not a reward for the good
things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created
us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2: 9-10.
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It will be apparent that most of the previous qualities of character are not achieved overnight. A new
convert is a spiritual baby. Secular leadership is not entrusted to infants nor should spiritual
leadership. There is a particular temptation to elevate someone to Christian leadership because of
their rank or professional status. If they do not conform to the above criteria, we have no mandate to
make such an appointment.
14. A good reputation with those outside
1 Timothy 3:7.
This is a sign of someone whose Christian life is thoroughly integrated with his/her social life, his/her
professional life, his/her financial life, his/her domestic life, Loving what is good Titus 1: 8 "As [a
man] thinks in etc. To live a compartmented life is to betray dangerous immaturity. We cannot all be
brilliant, but we can all be faithful 1 Corinthians 4: 2.
15. Not pursuing dishonest gain
1 Timothy 3:8, Titus 1: 7.
We are warned that dishonest gain ruins whole households Titus 1:1 and dishonest money dwindles
away Proverbs 13:11. We are to ensure that all our financial dealings are above reproach.
16. Not quick-tempered
Titus 1: 7.
"The fruit of the Spirit is . . . patience. . .” Galatians 5:22 people and situations that confront the
Christian leader will frequently impose frustration. Only a Christ like response will achieve a Christ
like outcome.
17. Not violent
Titus 1: 7. This refers not only to physical violence but to verbal violence gossip, bitter criticism, etc.
We are blessed, according to Jesus, when people maltreat us for His sake Matthew 5:11, so we have
no need to respond aggressively. If we are tempted to be argumentative for any reason, it is almost
certainly a sign of sin in ourselves.
18. Loving what is good
Titus 1: 8.
"As [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he” Proverbs 23:7, New Living Translation. This is a quality of
Christ likeness, not forgetting that to love good is to hate evil. As we meditate upon things that are
[24]
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Dictionary defines character as good traits and qualities. Character is often an indication whether a
person has finer feelings or not. People who have character may not be Christians, but they may be
God-fearing.
People may begin their lives in selfishness and be refined by hardship. Some people do not develop
character at all: they may have had an experience, but are not experienced e.g. the old should have
character, but the old are not always wise. Christians may not have character either.
Character can also be defined as strength of moral fibre, the excellence of moral beings. As
the excellence of gold is its purity and the excellence of art is its beauty, so the excellence of man is
his character.
Descriptions such as man of principle and woman of integrity are assertions of character. A lack of
character is moral deficiency, and persons lacking character tend to behave dishonestly, unethically,
and uncharitably.
A person’s character is the sum of his or her temperament, thoughts, intentions, desires, and actions.
We must look at the whole life. E.g., King David was a man of good character although he sinned on
occasion. And although King Ahab may have acted nobly once, he was still a man of overall bad
character 1 Kings 16:33. Several people in the Bible are described as having noble character: Ruth,
Hanna, David, and Job. These individuals’ lives were distinguished by persistent moral virtue.
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 Chapter 2 A practical sphere in which the love of the leader is demonstrated sacrificially.

7. Able to teach
DETERMINANTS OF CHARACTER 1 Timothy 3: 2. There is a strong link between teaching and leading 1 Timothy 5:17 & 1
Thessalonians 5: 12. Christian leaders must invest time and energy in learning so that they can teach;
Character is determined and developed by our choices. Daniel resolved not to defile himself in Learning is as much a heart activity as a head activity!
Babylon and that godly choice was an important step in formulating an unquestionable integrity in
8. Not a drinker
the young man’s life.
1 Timothy 3: 3, 3:8, Titus 1: 7.
Daniel 1:8 9. Gentle
1 Timothy 3: 3, Titus 1:8.
Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the "Blessed are the meek gentle for they shall inherit the earth", says Jesus Matthew 5:5. A leader is
king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. much more effective, even in a secular context, when he/she treats his/her subordinates gently
rather than harshly. Gentleness inspires affection, commitment and a willingness to be led.
Decisions are made prior to problem. You don’t make decisions in the midst of quagmire. Character
is build long before testing. You respond to situations in life based on who you are. That is why it is 10. Not Quarrelsome
important to build your character every day. 1 Timothy 3: 3.
This is vital to corporate leadership. Some who are successful leaders in professions, where they
Character, in turn, influences our choices. The integrity of the upright guides them Character will always have the final say, revert to being domineering when placed in a team. No one has a
help us weather the storms of life and keep us from sin monopoly of God's knowledge and wisdom.

11. Free from the love of money

Proverbs 11:3a
1 Timothy 3: 3.
Honesty guides good people.
"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" Matthew 6:21.
Proverbs 10:9a
People with integrity walk safely 12. One who manages his own household well
1 Timothy 3:4, Titus 1: 6.
Christian leadership, like charity, begins at home. If he/she is not respected and followed in his/her
leadership at home, how can one expect him/her to lead God's people? God places a very high
priority on this area and it is a frequent place of difficulty for Christians. We risk the ministry of any
group of Christians when we appoint leaders who are in trouble in their home relationships.

13. Not a new convert

1 Timothy 3: 6.
[6] [23]
 Chapter 9 Chapter 3

QUALITIES OF THE CHRISTIAN LEADER DEVELOPING THE RIGHT CHARACTER

It is the Lord’s purpose to develop character within us. Character is the result of the Holy Spirit’s work
The qualities of character of a Christian leader as in 1st Timothy 3: 1 15 and Titus 1: 5-9
of sanctification. Character in the believer is a consistent manifestation of Jesus in his life. It is the
1. Above reproach purity of heart that God gives becoming purity in action. God sometimes uses trials to strengthen
1 Timothy 3: 2, Titus 1: 6. character: we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
Someone whose perfect life attracts people to Jesus. Acts 6: 3 ; People who were of good reputation perseverance, character; and character, hope
and therefore trustworthy.
Romans 5:3-4
2. Faithful to his wife
1 Timothy 3: 2, Titus 1: 6. We can rejoice too when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us
Whether his/her relationship with the opposite sex is above reproach. Christian leadership is costly develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character... and character
and no Christian who aspires to leadership can afford to heed worldly rather than Biblical attitudes strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
to sex and sexual relationships.

3. Temperate The Lord is pleased when His children grow in character. You test the heart and are pleased with
1 Timothy 3: 2. integrity
Walking in the Light of God, rather than the darkness of men, gives a wholly different perspective on
1 Chronicles 29:17
matters which to the world are of vital importance, e.g.: the Christian leader should be led and
I know my GOD that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You
influenced by those things on which God places high priority.
know I have done all this with good motives...
4. Self-controlled
Psalm 15:1-2
1 Timothy 3: 2, 3:8, Titus 1: 8.
Who may worship in your sanctuary Lord, Who may enter your presence on your holy hill,
Prudence is a key characteristic of maturity and is related to good judgment, which is at a top in all
those who lead blameless lives and do what I right, speak the truth from sincere hearts
kinds of leadership.

5. Respectable Following Christ certainly develops character, but it is a process. For a brand-new Christian it may
1 Timothy 3: 2. take some time for those good traits and qualities to develop. Christians who do not seriously follow
Literally one whose behaviour, lifestyle, appearance and attitudes command respect even from those Christ—who do not continue in Jesus’ word— tend not to have developed characters. But
who do not share his/her Christian commitment. Christians are in a position to overtake the rest of humanity in the development of character because
God in Christ is involved. It has become a supernatural process in which we become Christ-like, like
6. Hospitable
Christ, like God, more like the children of our heavenly Father.
1 Timothy 3: 2, Titus 1:8.

[22] [7]
 Chapter 4
CHARACTER OF GOD
Unless we know God, we can never trust Him to guide us, comfort us, and do the right things in our
lives. We can rest securely and feel comfort and assurance in many situations in life because we
KNOW God’s character and trust Him. What is God like?
1. Eternal Life – Psalm 90:2; Genesis 1:1; Psalm 102:27 God has no beginning or end and is eternal,
infinite, and timeless.
2. Faithful Immutable – Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17; Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 102:26-27;
Deut 7:9; Psalm 33:4 God is faithful and unchanging in His promises and words. He can be trusted
to do what He said He would do. Jer 18:7-10; 26:3, 13; Gen 6:6; Joel 2:13; 1 Sam 15:29
3. Justice – Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 19:9; Genesis 18:25; Nahum 1:3 God’s justice is perfectly fair
when measured on an eternal scale. God is no respecter of persons. Good deeds will be rewarded
and evil will be punished.
4. Love – John 3:16; 1 John 4:8, 16 Love is wanting the very best for another person, even at our own
expense. God is perfect love because He always seeks His perfect will in us and desires to see us in
the center of His will. He loved us so much that He sent Christ to die to pay for our sins.
5. Omniscience – Psalm 139:1-4; Hebrews 4:13; Romans 8:28-29 God knows every detail of the
past, present, and future. He has perfect recall. He knows our thoughts before we think them.
6. Omnipotence – Jeremiah 32:17; 1 Peter 1:5 God is all powerful. There is nothing too hard for
Him.
7. Omnipresence – Psalm 139:7-12; 1 Kings 8:27 God is everywhere not in everything Pantheism
and there is no place to hide from Him. There is no place that is apart from God’s presence.
8. Righteous – 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 John 1:5; 1 Samuel 2:2, Deuteronomy 9:14; Psalm 99:9;
Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 145:17 God is sinless, holy, and perfect. All that He does is correct and
right and proper. He has no sin nature and never violates His own Scripture.
9. Sovereign – Isaiah 40:13-14; Deuteronomy 4:39; Ephesians 1 God is supreme with no one to
answer to. He is completely independent and can make decisions without anyone else’s
agreement or consent.
10. Truth – Titus 1:2; Romans 3:4; Romans 11:33; Numbers 23:19; everything that God says
or does is the correct word or action for us to follow. He is ultimately “correct” in every situation.
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Pride thinks it is capable of success apart from humble obedience to God and adherence to the
standards of the Word. Pride won’t listen. It won’t admit its weaknesses. It won’t seek counsel. It
won’t recognize the danger signs on the road to ruin. It won’t do any of these things because it is
intoxicated under the influence of arrogance.
You could fall. You need to admit it to yourself. Because of that, you need God and godly people
around you. You need to walk carefully and realize that your enemy is prowling around, seeking an
arrogant, careless soul to devour. If you’re humble, you will escape him and live securely from his
schemes. However, if you think you can take him, you’re his next meal. Concerning this very point,
James 4:6–7 says, “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives
grace to the humble.’ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Humility
submits itself to God and recognizes its need for God. Therefore, God promises honour and authority
over the devil to the one who is humble.
However, God “resists” the proud. This literally means that He sets Himself as an enemy against
them.
When you’re walking in pride, the devil is the least of your worries; you’ve got God against you. For
that reason, you will not succeed or prosper for long. God will make sure of it.
It is possible to live in sexual purity and moral integrity. It is simply a matter of making the right
choices and then living to honour Christ. As you seek to do this, the Holy Spirit is with you to give
you the power you need to live for God and to make any changes you need to make. Submit and
surrender to Him daily. He will lead you to a wonderful and prosperous life of sexual purity and
moral integrity.
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 Chapter 5
John 18 records the examination of Jesus by Pontius Pilate before His crucifixion. As Pilate
questioned Him, Jesus said little. One thing He did say, though, concerned the issue of truth. Jesus
DEVELOPING THE CHARACTER OF GOD
said to Pilate in John 18:37, “Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.” Pilate sarcastically
retorted, “What is truth?” John 18:38.
The character of god is the standard unit of measure for us. We work hard to attain the character of
GOD. That is when we are made perfect through Christ JESUS, we become united. To get this we;
Jesus’ words are still true today. Everyone who is truly of God is willing to hear the truth from Jesus.
Also, Jesus is the truth. This is what He told us in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
1. Co-operate with God
When Pilate said, “What is truth?” he wasn’t asking a question; he was expressing his belief that there
was no absolute standard for truth. This is still the belief of many people, and it is how they Galatians 5:16-25:
rationalize sin and justify unrighteous behaviour.
Then sinful nature and a spiritual nature are fighting against one another—like the good dog and
the bad dog. The bad qualities of the sinful nature are: sexual immorality, impurity and
If you are going to live in moral integrity, you’ve got to decide what it means to you. For me, moral
debauchery depraved self-indulgence, idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of
integrity means living according to the model of Jesus Christ and the standard of His Word. In a world
rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies and the like. These
of shifting-sand values that are constantly changing to fit the new definition of political correctness
belong to those not yet regenerated by the Spirit of God.
or popular opinion, the only stable and reliable standard is God’s Word. According to Jesus, it is the
only standard of eternal truth and the one by which we will be eternally judged. To believe anything
Against this he lists the “fruit of the Spirit”—these are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
else is to believe a lie, which ensures bondage because only the truth can set you free.
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control

Don’t lie to yourself, and don’t let anyone else, including the devil, tell you lies to justify sin in your
How do we develop the good qualities at the expense of the bad qualities? We feed the good dog
life. Come into the light and accept the truth. That is the atmosphere in which God works and the
and starve the bad dog. As we cooperate with the Spirit’s prompting to refrain from certain attitudes
devil is powerless. It is also the environment that ensures sexual purity and moral integrity.
and actions, the good qualities, the fruit, grows and we become more like Christ in to whose life we
have tapped.
Humility
Proverbs 16:18
So we freely receive the ability to have good qualities, but we must work at them. Paul says that we
Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall
must “work out” or own salvation

I know I can fall morally. There isn’t a shadow of doubt in my mind that I am capable of any sin, apart
2. Train ourselves to be godly
from the grace of God. Because of that, I will not allow myself the arrogant assumption that I can
break the rules and survive. If I break the rules, I’m history, and I know it. 1 Timothy 4:7-16:

Paul tells timothy to train him to be GODLY… to set an example in:

[20] [9]
 Every thought that comes into your mind plants a seed. You overcome negative thoughts through
i. Speech biblical meditation. However, even though biblical meditation is powerful, God won’t allow it to be
ii. Life used as a weed killer for the crop of unrighteous seeds you willingly invite into your mind. In other
iii. Love words, if you are going to see explicit movies, watch immoral television programs, and view
iv. faith and in pornography on the Internet and then try to use biblical meditation as a quick fix, you’re in for some
v. Purity. bad news. It won’t work. The only way to kill that crop is through repentance, which requires turning
away from and changing your mind about sin.
Other than developing his character timothy was instructed to devote himself to reading Scripture to
the people, to preaching it and teaching it. He is to watch his life and doctrine closely. In this way he If you are going to live in moral integrity, you must scrutinize what you allow to come into your
would save both himself and his hearers, not for salvation, but for fruitfulness and quality of life. mind. I’m not legalistic, but I have learned what forms of entertainment war in my mind against
godly living, and I will not allow them in. All entertainment seeds our minds with thoughts that
3. Regard circumstances as God’s testing our faith germinate and grow over time.

James 1:2-12:
Don’t be deceived; bad company will corrupt you. In every area of your life, you need to wisely
For something to be trusted it has to be tested. Before GOD blessed Abraham HE tested him; choose your friends and entertainment, including music. Also, if you’re struggling with Internet
to give his only son later blessed him. GOD tests our faith. pornography or something else, confess it to a pastor or godly friend and become accountable. Don’t
be ashamed and don’t allow it to remain in the darkness. Do everything necessary to create an
Our faith would be tested, but no temptation ever comes from God. Testing ones faith develops
environment of “good company” around you.
perseverance, or endurance. In the end, when the test is over, the people who submitted to the will of
God and maintained a good attitude in the face of difficulty would be mature and complete, not
Honesty
lacking anything. The person who has stood the test without wavering would receive “the crown of
John 8:32 :The truth sets us free.
life” that God promised.

The other side of that is the fact that dishonesty keeps us in bondage. One of the worst parts of my
4. Rejoice because our suffering produces character
job as a pastor is dealing with people who are caught in sin and are trying to justify it. I know many
Romans 5:1-5: “believers” who have committed adultery and, rather than repenting when they were caught, have
calmly explained that God told them to do it. I have never met a hardened sinner who didn’t have a
We can also rejoice in our sufferings v3 because they produce in us good qualities—character. This justification for his or her behaviour. In some cases, the blame is placed on someone else, such as a
is a parallel thought to those in James’ letter. Suffering, wrote Paul, produces perseverance. wife, husband, parent, boss, or the government.
Perseverance, in turn, produces character. Character produces hope.
In other cases, people compare themselves to someone else and justify the sin because it’s not nearly
5. Remember the sufferings of Christ
as bad as “so and so’s.” In other cases, they distort a Scripture or manufacture a voice from heaven
Hebrews 12:1-13: and call it holy. In every case, though, they are living a lie.
[10] [19]
Therefore, bad people aren’t the issue; bad company is.
This is the truth: you will not be different from your close friends for long. If you run around with
godly people, they have an effect on you. You are inspired to do better and to live higher because of
their influence. Also, because their values are based on Christian principles, a moral protection is
built in.
This isn’t to say Christians are always perfect or even better than non-Christians. But you must
carefully choose all of the close friends you have even Christians because they will greatly influence
your life – good or bad.
The issue of bad company also relates to the entertainment we choose and the environment of our
homes. I enjoy watching television, but I am careful to avoid immoral programs.
Television programs, movies, and computers are three mediums that provide great entertainment
and education. However, they all have the potential for much evil. If you allow unrighteous
television programs, movies, or Internet web sites into your life and those of your children, you are
eventually going to be corrupted by them, regardless of how good or godly a person you are. If you
don’t believe this or feel as though you are the exception, you are deceived just as 1 Corinthians
15:33 warned.
There is a saying that goes like this:
Sow a thought; reap an action.
Sow an action; reap a habit.
Sow a habit; reap a character.
Sow that character; reap a destiny.
Even though this saying isn’t in the Bible, I believe it is true because of this Scripture that reinforces its
message: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the
Spirit reap everlasting life” Galatians 6:7–8.
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GOD trains every believer; it shows that they are really his sons. So our attitude, as God trains us in
character, should be to remember the sufferings of Jesus on the cross, and that they led to his taking
his place at the right hand of the throne of God. We should not grow weary of God’s discipline, or
lose heart. Christ suffered much more than we, and won the battle.
Psalm 94:12
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes
you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and accepts everyone he accepts as a son.”
God disciplines us so that he can develop in us character.
6. Make every effort to know Christ better
2 Peter 1:3-11:
God has given us the word of God, those great and precious promises, that will enable us to escape
the world’s corruption and participate in the divine nature. That is all we need. “Make every effort” to
add to our faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness,
love. Lack of these qualities, will prevent us from being effective and productive in our knowledge of
our Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing done for Christ, whether outwardly in service, or inwardly in
cooperation with the Spirit’s training, will be in vain, or without reward in heaven.
We can also develop character by;
i. Controlling our thoughts Philippians 4:8,
ii. Practicing Christian virtues 2 Peter 1:5-6,
iii. Guarding our hearts Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18-20, and
iv. Keeping good company 1 Corinthians 15:33. Men and women of character will set a
good example for others to follow, and their godly reputation will be evident to all Titus
2:7-8.
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 Chapter 6 When people plan on doing something good or godly, they don’t mind others watching because they
are proud of their actions. However, when people are going to do something sinful, they hide
POINTS TO NOTE ON CHARACTER themselves from scrutiny. People who plan on living righteously don’t mind accountability. In fact,
Character is like a personal alarm system that protects you from breaking and violating your they seek it. However, refusing accountability is planning to sin and reveals one’s true character.
convictions and value system Moral integrity demands accountability.
1. Protect your leadership influence and power
No one should think they are too smart or too safe to avoid the consequences of a lack of Righteous Fellowship
character. Character is the number one plague of leadership today. Character is the most important 1 Corinthians 15:33
balance for leadership. Character is like a personal alarm system that protects you from breaking and Do not be deceived: ‘Evil Company corrupts good habits.’”
violating your convictions and value system.
This issue has deceived many people. This Scripture begins with a warning not to be deceived before
2. Importance of principles on character
it explains the dangers of evil company. This truth pertains to children and adults, men and women,
Principles are values, standards and laws that you refuse to sell at the altar of convenience the world
Christians and non-Christians. However, many people believe they are the exception.
today needs leaders who see principles as being more than profits, public adulation and their public
comfort.
The important point of 1 Corinthians 15:33, is that bad company ruins good morals. This is where
3. Falling up instead of falling down
many people are deceived. For example, some Christian parents who have diligently trained their
People do fall and characters do collapse the most important thing is what you do to restore your
children will allow them to run with a group of unrighteous, but popular, friends. Their justification
character when you’ve broken a code of respect, when you’ve committed an immoral act and
many times is the deceived belief that their children will evangelize the others.
violated people’s trust. Fall up instead of falling down. Fall to the hands of GOD and spiritual
authorities. Repent, you will heal faster.
Many adults make the same mistake. They think they can closely associate with people who are
living a sinful lifestyle without being affected. I have seen hundreds of Christian men and women
4. Trust is an account that people put a deposit on the longer they have known you and the
leave their spouses and fall into immorality, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and other sins because of the
more you’re tested
influence of a close relationship with an ungodly co-worker or friend.
Many leaders have lost the trust of their companies, constituents, nations, followers, and families
and find it difficult to regain it. Why? Because they lacked the one quality that would have protected
Of course, we as Christians should befriend and evangelize non-Christians. However, our base of
their leadership and given them enduring influence; they lack the quality of moral force, or character.
fellowship must be with those who share our values and faith in Christ.
5. Every human being is a leader over some domain as he or she exercises gifts and influence.
That domain might be the halls of government, the boardroom, the classroom, the community, or the Evangelism reaches out from that base of Christian relationships to draw non Christians into it.
home. Character is what it means to develop moral force, and how to preserve your leadership Never should we make our regular, close group of friends those who don’t share our values and/or
influence so that it is both effective and enduring. faith in Christ. The word company in 1 Corinthians 15:33, refers to regular fellowship or frequent
companionship.

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 Chapter 8
PRINCIPLES OF INTERGRITY
Accountability
Proverbs 18:1
A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment.
People who isolate themselves from accountability seek their own desires. They are headed to a
moral train wreck. They don’t ask for advice and won’t take it if given. They argue against counsel
and input. Everyone needs accountability and input. They provide protection from temptation and
supply a wealth of wisdom and greater perspective.
Personal, moral, and marriage failures always hatch out of the cocoon of independence and non-
accountability. Those I see who are successful in life are accountable. They go to church and build
relationships. They open their lives to spiritual leaders, experts, and close friends for examination
and correction. They seek counsel when they are struggling or are making important decisions.
Far from the cocoon of independence, these butterflies are free because they have broken from the
darkness to live in the light.
Satan is the prince of darkness, and God is the Father of light James 1:17. They both perform their
works in their respective environments – Satan in darkness and God in the light.
John 3:19–21
“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved
darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates
the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does
the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in
God.”
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Chapter 7
INTEGRITY
Integrity comes from the Latin root integer and implies a wholeness of person. Just as a whole
number, we talk about a whole person who is undivided. A person of integrity is living rightly and
not divided. Not being a different person in different circumstances. A person of integrity is the same
person in private that he or she is in public.
Jesus talks about those who were “pure in heart” in Matthew 5:8; implying an undividedness in
following God’s commands. Integrity, therefore, not only implies undividedness, but a moral purity
as well.
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out!
In Christianity, integrity means, “To live my life by Godly standards, Godly principles and Godly
values, no matter where I am, who I am with or what my circumstances may be.”
The Bible says a lot about integrity
Psalm 1:1-6,
Psalm 25:21
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.
Proverbs 10:9
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
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Proverbs 13:6
Righteousness guards a man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
Proverbs 21:3
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
That means God is not nearly as interested in our religious rituals as He is in the reality and
authenticity of our character.
As we move over into the New Testament we are going to see that JESUS was recognized as a man of
great integrity even by his worst enemies.
Matthew 22:15, 16
Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap Him in His words. They sent their disciples
to Him along with the Herodias. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and
that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men,
because you pay no attention to who they are.”
And let’s look at one more scripture over in the Book of Titus.
Titus 2:7, 8
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity,
seriousness, and soundness, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they
have nothing bad to say about us.
OUTWARD APPEARANCES and OUTWARD IMPRESSIONS don’t mean anything to GOD, but
inward INTEGRITY, CHARACTER and AUTHENTICITY do!
1. Can I be trusted when no one else is looking?
2. Can I be trusted to not steal from my employer?
3. Can I be trusted to honor my marriage vows when I’m out of town on a business trip?
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4. Can I be trusted when a family member or friend shares confidential information with me?
5. Can I be trusted to surf past the sexual immorality on the internet when no one else is
around?
6. Can I be trusted to stay away from the immoral movie channels on my cable or satellite TV?
7. Can I be trusted to honor Christ no matter where I am …….no matter who I am with……and
no matter what my circumstances may be?
8. Am I a man or woman of integrity?
JOSEPH faced many hardships and was often the victim of unfairness but he kept his integrity.
-He was misunderstood by his family……and yet he kept his integrity.
-He was sold into slavery by his own brothers…..and yet he kept his integrity.
-He was exiled in a foreign country far from the comforts of his own home……and yet he kept
his integrity.
-He was wrongly accused by Potiphar’s wife……and yet he kept his integrity.
-He was thrown into prison…….and yet he kept his integrity.
There was not a huge gaping hole in the TITANIC’S hull when it sunk but six relatively narrow slits in
SIX of the SIXTEEN watertight compartments that kept the Titanic afloat as it was discovered by
archeologists in 1980.
When you look at the tragic stories of people such as TIGER WOODS, Saul in the bible and other
people who sank, we realize they sank their lives and their careers because of a series of small
decisions they made over a long period of time.
-A compromise here, a compromise there.
-A bad choice here, a bad choice there.
And little by little their lives “took on water” and they eventually sank!
It has been said, “It takes a lifetime to build character. It takes only five minutes to destroy it.”
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