June 30 – Middle of the Year – Where are We?

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:3-6 NIV

 

Are you making progress in becoming more like Jesus?

If we are to have the goal of being more like Jesus every day, then we need to know just what His traits are…His spiritual character traits to which we can attain—so that we can walk like Jesus walked. Here’s a list from which has been blogged. Check off the ones that you or your children have…or that you want to have as part of your character. Are there other characteristics on which you need to work?

¨  Love

¨  Commitment

¨  Obedience

¨  Joy

¨  Compassion

¨  Kindness

¨  Contentment

¨  Integrity

¨  Honesty

¨  Loyalty

¨  Perseverance

¨  Forgiving

¨  Humility

¨  Prayerful

¨  Servant

¨  Holiness

¨  Suffering

¨  Gratitude

¨  Goodness

¨  Faithfulness

¨  Generous

¨  Gentleness

¨  Self-Control

¨  Courage

¨  Peace

¨  Patience

¨  Discipline

¨  Responsible

¨  Dependable

¨  Respectful

¨  Reliable

¨  Creative

¨  Encouragement

¨  Optimistic

¨  Meekness

¨  Tactful

The following list is the characteristics we’ll look at these during the coming weeks. Check them off as we blog together…or check those you feel you need to address in your character or that of your children.

¨  Tolerance

¨  Vision

¨  Enthusiasm

¨  Endurance

¨  Grace

¨  Discretion

¨  Supportive

¨  Efficient

¨  Wisdom

¨  Attentiveness

¨  Teacher

¨  Listening

¨  Security

¨  Submissive

¨  Diligence

¨  Initiative

¨  Faith

¨  Fearless

¨  Flexibility

¨  Godly Priorities

¨  Hospitality

¨  Discreet

¨  Decisive

¨  Guidance

¨  Persuasiveness

¨  Purpose

¨  Prudence

¨  Avoid Anger

¨  Reverence

¨  Agreeable

¨  Appreciation

¨  Discernment

¨  Devotion

¨  Determination

¨  Virtue

¨  Zealous

¨  Selfless/Self-Sacrifice 

In addition…here are some other things we considered at the start this New Year. How are you doing mid-year? Is this the year…?

The year we have our break-through?

The year we get our priorities in order?

The year we keep our resolutions?

The year we reach our potential?

The year we stop making excuses?

The year we take responsibility for our situation?

The year we make good choices instead of bad mistakes?

The year we come to understand who we are in Christ?

The year we become obedient?

The year we have more fun than ever before?

The year we become the giver instead of the receiver?

The year we fully grasp how to walk in God's gifts to us?

2013...Is this the year? It is half over…there is still time to set your goals…and live more like Jesus.

Training Tip – At a family devotion time talk about how God wants us to be more like Jesus…and the character traits that you see in each of your family members. Ask them in what way would they like to be like Jesus—you may get some surprising answers. Set some goals for yourself and each of your children to work on one or more character traits from the lists above. 

 Lord—give us insight into Your character as we study You and seek to develop Your character traits in us and in the little children around us.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.