{"id":9032,"date":"2012-08-20T08:00:21","date_gmt":"2012-08-20T12:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mintools.com\/blog\/?p=9032"},"modified":"2024-11-20T09:08:02","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T14:08:02","slug":"character-education-means","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mintools.com\/blog\/character-education-means.htm","title":{"rendered":"Character Education a Good Thing? – Depends on the Means"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Character<\/a>Previously we determined that in order for character education to be good, it must be based on an unchanging standard if we are going to maintain integrity and always have a point of reference. God character must be defined by God’s character<\/a>, not self-determined. We must also ask how we acquire these character traits. The means makes a difference.<\/p>\n

The Means of Acquiring Godly Character Traits<\/h2>\n

To determine how we acquire these character traits, turn to 2 Peter 1:3-8.<\/span><\/p>\n

1)<\/strong>\u00a0 We are inadequate to live up to the standard of who God is.\u00a0 We are to be holy as He is holy.\u00a0 We are to love as He loves.\u00a0 Yet, we will never develop that extent of quality of character within ourselves.<\/p>\n

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness”\u00a0 (2 Pet. 1:3)<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Character education must emphasize the role and work of the Spirit in making it happen.\u00a0 God has given believers the Holy Spirit to live within them so they have the power to become who He has called them to be in Christ Jesus.<\/p>\n

— If the plan for character education is based on self-effort, reconsider.\u00a0 Only the Holy Spirit can develop true Christlikeness in us.<\/p>\n

2)<\/strong>\u00a0 It all begins with knowing God.\u00a0 Don’t expect people without a relationship with God through Christ, resulting in the indwelling of the Spirit, to have a moral compass.<\/p>\n

“through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Pet. 1:3)<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Life in Christ is based on grace and relationship, not performance.\u00a0 Out of that, all else flows.<\/p>\n

— If a plan for character education doesn’t emphasize getting to know God, it is merely a humanistic, performance-based effort.<\/p>\n

3)<\/strong>\u00a0 It continues with knowing God.\u00a0 Don’t expect believers who remain spiritual babes to have Christ-like character.<\/p>\n

“make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; … self-control … perseverance … godliness … brotherly kindness … love” (2 Pet. 1:5-7)<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Acquiring Godly Traits is a Growth Process<\/h2>\n

Remember, though we are to “make every effort to add” these traits it is HIS divine power that makes it happen (2 Pet. 1:3).\u00a0 — “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 3:18)<\/span><\/p>\n

Just prior to writing those words, Peter warned, “be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.”\u00a0 Growing in our relationship with Him is our safeguard for maintaining Christ-like character and not being drawn into the ways of the world.<\/p>\n

— If a plan for character education is a short-term effort, it will likely produce short term results.\u00a0 Becoming Christ-like is a life-time process of becoming more and more like Him as we grab hold of His grace and power.<\/p>\n

Resources:<\/p>\n

The Teacher\u2019s Role in Discipling Students Toward Christ-like Character & Conduct<\/a><\/p>\n

Tips for Teaching About Character Traits<\/a><\/p>\n

Steering the Church Toward Christ-like Character Leadership Guide<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Previously we determined that in order for character education to be good, it must be based on an unchanging standard if we are going to maintain integrity and always have a point of reference. God character must be defined by God\u2019s character, not self-determined. We must also ask how we acquire these character traits. The means makes a difference. . . . Continue reading Character Education a Good Thing? – Depends on the Means<\/span>→<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9032","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-christian-education"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\t