”Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.“
Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)
It was John Wooden who said, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” There are two major things that will help to shape your character. The first is how you respond to trials, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character. Endurance is the ability or strength to keep on keeping on no matter how tough the storm may be. In other words, do you have staying power in the furnace? The great Roman poet, Virgil, said, “Every calamity is to be overcome by endurance.”
A second major thing that will help to shape your character is your thought life. Frank Outlaw, the late president of the Bi-Lo Stores said, “Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes a destiny.” The formation of your character really begins with your thought life. What you allow your mind to think about and to focus on will define your character Philippians 4:8 (ESV) says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.“