Character Development: Growing in Christlikeness

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." — Ephesians 2:10

As believers, one of the most important aspects of our spiritual journey is character development. While salvation is a free gift from God, the process of becoming more like Christ—being shaped and refined into the image of Jesus—is a lifelong journey that requires intentionality, discipline, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. God desires for us to not only profess faith in Christ but to live out that faith in a way that reflects His love, holiness, and grace to the world.

In this message, we’ll explore what character development looks like in the Christian life, why it’s essential, and how we can actively partner with God in the process of growing in Christlikeness.

1. What is Christian Character?

Christian character is the inner quality of a person that reflects the nature of God. It’s the combination of attitudes, behaviors, and values that demonstrate who we are in Christ. It is not about outward appearances or checking off religious boxes—it’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out.

The Bible speaks about character as the fruit of the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul writes:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

These are the qualities that define the character of Christ, and they should be evident in the lives of all believers. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we should see these fruits developing in our lives—love that is selfless, peace that surpasses understanding, joy that isn’t dependent on circumstances, kindness that serves others, and self-control that aligns our desires with God’s will.

2. The Importance of Character Development

Why is character development so crucial in the Christian life? First, because our character reflects our relationship with God. In 1 Samuel 16:7, God tells Samuel, “The Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” God is more concerned with who we are on the inside than what we look like on the outside. The condition of our heart—our attitudes, motives, and desires—is what truly matters to Him.

Second, character development is vital because it’s through our character that we represent Christ to the world. Jesus called us to be His witnesses, to be a light in the darkness, and to reflect God’s love and holiness to others. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our actions, attitudes, and words are the most effective testimony to others of God’s transforming power in our lives.

Third, character development is essential because it’s a part of the process of sanctification. Sanctification is the lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus, and character development is a key element of that process. Romans 8:29 tells us that “those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” God’s plan for us is to grow in Christlikeness—this is His will for every believer. As we allow the Holy Spirit to shape our character, we become more like Jesus in our actions, thoughts, and attitudes.

3. How Does Character Development Happen?

Character development is not something we can achieve on our own; it is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. But there are steps we can take to actively partner with God in this process. Here are some key principles for growing in Christlike character:

A. Surrender to the Holy Spirit’s Work

The first step in character development is surrendering ourselves to the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:16, Paul encourages us to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers us to live according to God’s will, transforming our hearts and minds in the process. But we must be willing to let go of our old ways and allow the Holy Spirit to shape us.

Surrendering to the Holy Spirit means yielding to His convictions, allowing Him to convict us of sin, and being open to His guidance. It means letting go of our selfish desires and choosing to follow God’s leading in every area of life. As we submit to His work in us, the Holy Spirit will mold our character to reflect Christ.

B. Renew Your Mind with the Word of God

The Bible is the primary tool God uses to shape our character. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” As we spend time in God’s Word, we are exposed to the truth about who God is and what He desires for us. The Word of God teaches us what it means to live righteously, how to love others, and how to live according to God’s character.

Regularly reading, meditating on, and applying Scripture is essential to character development. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the more we begin to think like God thinks, act like He acts, and love as He loves. Scripture also provides the standard for our character—it teaches us what is good, acceptable, and pleasing to God.

C. Develop Healthy Habits of Prayer and Worship

Prayer and worship are powerful tools for character development because they draw us closer to God and keep our hearts aligned with His. Through prayer, we communicate with God, confess our sins, and ask for His strength to live according to His will. It is in prayer that we seek God’s wisdom and guidance, and we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit’s work.

Worship, both personally and in community, helps us keep our eyes focused on God. As we worship, we acknowledge His greatness and express our love and gratitude toward Him. Worship has a way of shaping our hearts, reminding us of God’s character, and encouraging us to reflect that character in our lives.

D. Embrace Trials as Opportunities for Growth

Character development often happens through trials and suffering. James 1:2-4 tells us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

While trials are difficult, they are also opportunities for growth. When we face challenges, God uses them to refine our character, strengthen our faith, and teach us perseverance. When we respond to trials with trust in God, patience, and a spirit of humility, we allow the Holy Spirit to develop Christlike qualities in us.

E. Surround Yourself with a Community of Believers

One of the best ways to grow in character is through the encouragement and accountability of other believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” The church is God’s family, and we are called to build each other up in the faith.

Being part of a local church community provides opportunities for us to grow in love, service, and accountability. It’s in the context of community that we learn to practice patience, forgiveness, and kindness. We can also encourage one another when our character is being tested, offering support and prayer as we navigate life’s challenges.

4. The Fruit of Character Development

As we grow in Christlike character, we begin to see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives. These fruits are not only an indicator of personal growth but also a powerful testimony to the world of God’s transformative power. As our character develops, we become more loving, more peaceful, more joyful, more patient, more kind, and more self-controlled. These qualities attract others to Christ and make our lives a witness of His grace.

The ultimate goal of character development is to bring glory to God and to reflect His image to the world. As we grow in Christlike character, we show others who God is, and we participate in His mission of love and redemption.

Conclusion: A Lifelong Journey

Character development is not a one-time event; it is a lifelong journey. God is always at work in us, shaping us, refining us, and making us more like His Son. It requires humility, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to grow.

Let us commit to pursuing Christlikeness with all our hearts, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our character so that we can bring glory to God in all that we do.

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18

In Christ’s love,
Apostle. Dr. Paul Igbinoghene