"Character Counts"
March 5, 2006

The new Testament Lesson: Matthew 7: 15 - 20

To inspire people to take a close look at their lives for the marks of being a contagious Christian

I.  Your character is an essential Part of your witness for Christ
   A. You have to practice what you preach.
        1. A little while ago, I was talking with someone about another minister.
            a. I will leave the guy unnamed.
            b. this person’s former parishioner made a comment that struck me.
            c. He said, “He’s a really great preacher, but after I got to know him, I wondered if he really believed what he was saying.”
        2. I was stunned when I heard that.
            a. I heard an immediate contradiction.
            b. I think a great preacher must have their soul in it
            c. It’s not enough to say it: you also have to live it.
            d. I’d much rather a person say of me, “he’s not a particularly great preacher, but he’s a great Christian!”
        3. God cares more about our character than our competence!
   B. When Jesus spoke this passage, he was warning his disciples
        1. He wanted them to be able to recognize false prophets.
            a. People who talk a good game, but who have nothing to back it up
            b. Using people’s need for God as a way to profit for themselves.
            c. Used a memorable phrase “By their fruit you will know them.”
            d. basically, don’t take their word for it, ask them to show you!
        2. But people who aren’t part of the church use this same method!
            a. They are extremely talented at it!
            b. They can spot a phony a mile away simply by looking at their life.
            c. investing money, they want to see a fund’s portfolio.
            d. hiring an employee, they check references.
            e. Before they buy a car, they take it for a test drive.
            f. And they use that effectively with “Christians” as well
        3. When someone talks about new life in Christ, they want evidence
            a. Is your God a loving God?  Let’s see you love others.
            b. Is Christ a source of joy in your life?  Let’s see Joy
            c. Does the presence of the Spirit empower you?  Let’s see power
            d. Does Jesus provide peace that passes all understanding?  you’d better be able to give an example.
            e. And if you can’t show these things, what’s the point of faith?
        4. The test for Christianity isn’t a theological test: it’s a road test.

II.  I mentioned a test.  Do you know what the Tools for evaluation are?
   A. Self honesty is one of the most important.
        1. Unless and until we can admit the truth, we will get no where.
        2. We will be living in a fantasy land.
            a. telling ourselves that we are good Christians.
            b. Blaming everyone else for what we are doing wrong.
            c. Can you be honest with yourself?
        3. And God is more than willing to help!
            a. One of the main roles of the Spirit is to convince us of the Truth
            b. Those of us who are courageous enough to ask for the Spirit’s help will get it.
        4. An being in the church, we are surrounded by examples.
            a. There are some wonderful examples in this congregation.
            b. We can also note some examples that are not as good.
            c. If someone were looking at you, would you be a good example?
   B. What fruit are you producing?
        1. Do you know what characteristics of the Spirit’s presence you have
        2. These are not complicated: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, kindness, goodness, humility, self-control
        3. Take some time this week and examine yourself for these signs in yourself.  It is the fruit by which others know you!

  We are being called to give a witness to the reality of God’s impact on our lives in Christ.  Now, not one of us is perfect.  But we had better be able to show someone we are on the way.  We need to be able to talk about our faith and to show someone what a follower of Jesus is like.  The quote I used from Bill Hybels is a crucial insight.  People are “not interested in committing their lives to Christ unless they observe attractive and consistent patterns of living in the Christians they know.”  And it’s not something we do alone!  One good example will be obliterated by a bad example!  Unless the entire Church is growing toward God, our witness to faith is without substance.

I am inviting you to join me this Lent in taking a really good look at your Character.  Are you growing into the kind of person that others would want to emulate?  When someone sees you, do they have a good example of what Jesus can do for them?  We must be growing into the people God has designed us to be in order to complete our mission for Christ because, my dear friends, character counts!

And as you go from this place, may you walk in the way of Christ Jesus and May God always find you faithful!