BUILDING CHARACTER

When constructing a major building it is usual practice to put up scaffolding. Scaffolding goes up quick and can reach dizzy heights. But you can't build with it, only from it. In our lives, families, businesses, and church, we are involved in building. What we build with determines the character of our building.

(Rom 5:3-4 NCV) We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope.

1. Based on Romans 5:4, what are the things associated with building character?

2. What do we have when we have troubles according to Romans 5:4?

When the storms of troubles come upon a building, the structure of the building will be tested. Scaffolding is easily blown away when a building is put under major pressure. While builders need scaffolding to build with, it is not used for the super structure of a building. In business, the scaffolding may be gimmicks, the give aways, the decor, but the structure which gives a business its character is (i) its product; (ii) its customer service; (iii) its value, and (iv) its staff.

3. How is character reflected in a church?

Character is the result of endurance, commitment, and a determination to finish what has been started...

4. Match the following comparisons, and discuss-

EMOTIONAL (SCAFFOLDING)	CHARACTER (STRUCTURE)
led by feelings	doesn't fear failure
wants to receive	endures under pressure
flees under pressure	admits mistakes and accepts responsibility for them
must win if going to play	led by responsibilities
looks for bandwagons	often goes where there is no band, and sometimes no wagon
hides mistakes and seeks to blame others	wants to give