The Christian is unique in the world. We are not a part of it (John 15:18), though in it (John 17:15) and influencing it (Matt. 5:16; 28:18-20), yet must remain untouched by it (II Cor. 6:17; I John 2:15-17). A part of letting our light shine in the world is not only what we say but how we otherwise conduct ourselves (I Pet. 1:17). Below is a list of twenty-six character traits which the Bible teaches we should cultivate in our lives as Christians. Obviously, the list is not exhaustive. To learn all the Lord would have us do, we must read and study the Scriptures daily to garner principles which we must apply in our lives (II Tim. 2:15). But this list may help us to see the kind of world this would be if we were all to faithfully practice the teaching of our Lord. If you think of others, please send them to me that I can expand this list.

A document called “Christian Character Trait Self-Examination,” may be found on the web site that you can use to personally grade yourself in these areas.

A Christian is Honest – Romans 12:17; Hebrews 13:18.
A Christian is a Truth Seeker – Prov. 23:23; I Cor. 13:6.
A Christian is Steadfast – I Cor. 15:58;Hebrews 3:14.
A Christian is Gracious in Speech – Col. 4:6; Proverbs 15:1-2.
A Christian is Selfless – Philip. 2:5-8.
A Christian Values Life – Exodus 20:13.
A Christian Respects authority – Romans 13:1-2; Eph. 6:1; Hebrews 13:17.
A Christian is Humble – Matthew 18:4; Matthew 23:12; I Peter 5:5-6.
A Christian is Always Growing – II Peter 3:18; I Peter 2:2.
A Christian is Peaceful – Romans 12:18; Romans 14:17, 19.
A Christian is Quiet – I Thess. 4:11; I Tim. 2:2.
A Christian is Meek – Matthew 5:5; Galatians 5:23.
A Christian is Kind – I Cor. 13:4; Eph. 4:32; II Peter 1:7.
A Christian is Loving – I Cor. 13:1-8.
A Christian is a Servant – Eph. 6:5-7; Hebrews 12:28;Matthew 20:26-28 .
A Christian is Pure – Matthew 5:8; James 4:8.
A Christian is Temperate – Acts 24:25; Galatians 5:23; II Peter 1:6.
A Christian is Virtuous – Phil. 4:8; II Pet. 1:3,5.
A Christian is Patient – Hebrews 10:36; Hebrews 12:1; I Thess. 5:14
A Christian is Faithful – Heb. 11:6; 10:22,23,38.
A Christian is Industrious – I Thess. 4:11.
A Christian is Holy – Eph. 4:24; I Pet. 1:15.
A Christian is Evangelistic – Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15,16.
A Christian is Sober – I Pet. 1:13; I Pet. 5:8; I Thess. 5:6.
A Christian is Knowledgeable – Col. 1:10; 3:10; II Pet. 1:5.
A Christian is Chaste – II Cor. 11:2; Tit. 2:5; I Pet. 3:2.

One day we will all stand before the Lord in judgment to be examined by Him. We need to study now so that we will pass that test.

Eric L. Padgett