Call for Character

Character is a word that almost everyone understands, yet few are able to define. In fact, definitions of character usually drift quickly into a myriad of words and descriptive phrases, all of which are definitively insufficient. Character is complex. No single component of character adequately summarizes its essence. Character is diverse. It expands beyond the realm of morality and ethics into areas of personality and relationships. In spite of its ambiguity, character—both our own and that of others—has left an indelible imprint on each of our lives.

It is this “imprint” that I feel gives us the best definition of character. Character is often defined as “an individual’s internal makeup.” This definition, however, is incomplete and even misleading. Every person is made up of the same “material”—body, mind, soul and spirit—or at least some variation of these four elements. This is what it means to be made in “the image of God (Genesis 1:27).” Opinions differ as to the actual composition of the individual, yet most would agree that these elements are universally shared. If character, then, were the same as “makeup,” everyone would essentially have the same character.

Character might best be defined as, “An integrated set of values, morals and qualities that make up the true shape of an individual and determines intentions, motivations and actions.” The word has its origins in the Greek word for “the image or imprint on a coin.” These origins offer valuable insight into the true essence of character. A coin is distinguished by its material and by the image it carries—its “character.” In Matthew 22, we are told that Jesus was once questioned whether or not it is lawful for a Jew to pay taxes to Caesar. He responded by drawing attention to the imprint on—or character of—the coin. “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s,” He said, “and to God what is God’s.” In other words, character indicates ownership.

Character is more a matter of shape than substance. While we are all made up of the same raw materials (i.e. body, mind, soul and spirit), we have different tendencies, attitudes, values and priorities. These “lines and contours” make up the shape of our character and leave an imprint determined by the “mint” of upbringing, education and experiences. The shape of our character influences its external expressions—our thought processes, attitudes, behaviors, speech and interaction with others. In fact, this shape—or imprint—leaves a clear mark on every person and situation pressed closely against us.

The two primary images (i.e. characters) a person can carry are that of the World or of Christ. The image of the World is one of selfishness, pride, greed and licentiousness. The image of Christ is one of altruism, humility, sacrifice and love. Mankind was created in the “image of God,” yet that image became distorted through sin. Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Christ came as “the exact representation (i.e. character) of His (God’s) nature.” Christ is God’s “mint” and He places his “imprint” on each of our lives, making us more like our Creator whose image we have been made to carry. The question remains, then: Whose imprint do I carry? Which parts of my character are not consistent with the image of God?