Week 3 - Bearing Fruit: Character - Day 11 - Monday

Written by Kelly Dagley
This week is devoted to exploring Character. Dallas Willard defines Character as, “that internal, overall structure of the self that is revealed by our long-run patterns of behavior and from which our actions more or less automatically arise.” Your Character is not static; it is changeable by both discipline and neglect. I like to think of my Character as my Masterpiece- it is a work of art I create with God over the course of my life, patterned on Jesus. We will be exploring this metaphor this week.

Today is the day to dream. What do I want the Masterpiece of my Character to look like? This can be an overwhelming task, but it can also be fun. What inspires you? As disciples (students) of Jesus, the Bible is the starting point of the inspiration for our Masterpiece as we are striving to become more and more like Jesus. But this is not the only place God can speak to and inspire us. Who inspires you? There are people in my life who make me want to be a better person. I have had experiences that also inspire me. Songs, books and movies I love can help me envision who God is calling me to be.

Scripture:
• Read Romans 12. How does this inspire your masterpiece?
• Revisit any favorite scriptures you might have. They are your favorites because they inspire you. What is it that causes you to hold them dear?

Reflection:
• What are some events in your life that inspire you to strive to be more like Jesus? Who are significant people in your life that inspire you? What is it about their lives that attracts you to them? How do they make you want to be a better person?
• Do you have a favorite work of art, movie, song that inspires you? Maybe it is the physical agility of a favorite athlete. God uses these elements too! What might God be saying to you and calling you toward through these favorites?

Practice:
• Revisit something that inspires you. Listen to a song that made you dream of what your life could be like. Watch a movie that changed your life. Read a chapter from a favorite book. Get a group together to play your favorite sport. Hike a favorite trail. Reflect on what gives these things a special place in your life and ask God to meet you there, to inspire you again as you experience them once more.