Character Development
We have identified 49 character traits, including the nine fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians, and the opposite flaw of each positive trait. Each student and a family member receives this curriculum, which beautifully illustrates each character trait with a wealth of scripture, pictures, quotations and essential facts on high-end glossy and colorful pages. Parents are coached to become part of the process as our team effectively instills character within the lives of students.
Before we can instill character in the life of a student, we must first develop and model character in our own lives. One main requirement for any staff member to be a part of our team is that we maintain "watermelon-size" fruits of the Spirit in our lives! This way, a troubled student can attempt rebellion and self-sabotaging attempts to get rejected, only to encounter the response of love, patience, long-suffering and joy by any staff member.
Take, for example, a boy who is struggling with a lack of motivation and laziness. He sits on the couch only to "vegetate" while watching television or playing video games for hours on-end. The parent either nags or ignores the lack of character, not really knowing how to approach the situation. Weeks of tolerating this go by before the parent blows a fuse. The child is convinced that the parent has lost his/her mind, thinking, “What’s your problem? I do this everyday. Why are you getting mad for nothing?”
A better approach is to study all 49 character traits and find opportunities to affirm the ones that are strengths in your loved-one's life. You will quickly see the positive traits they possess blossom even more, resulting in higher self-esteem and fulfillment. You then venture out to identify the character flaws, study, and then choose an appropriate time to talk. Once seated, open the curriculum and, together, read and discuss the character trait you want to see developed. Don’t leave it all to head knowledge. Now you must train the child by providing practical opportunities to apply the teaching in real life situations. Developing fruit can be painful but rewarding.
There is a science to this concept. It is based on Galatians 5:16 which states, “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Verses 19-21 list the “works of the flesh”, and verses 22-23 list the nine “fruit of the Spirit.” Since it is impossible to get out of “flesh” without the supernatural grace of God, one must simply “walk in the Spirit” while still in the flesh. It does not say to first get out of the flesh and begin to walk in the Spirit. No, it’s the other way around; you start walking in the Spirit while you are in the flesh so that you can receive the grace to overcome the bondage of the flesh.
Many Christians live in condemnation and just give up because they do not know this powerful formula for overcoming. Character development is categorized under, “walking in the Spirit” along with praying, reading God’s Word, and participating in church. Paul exhorted the believers at Galatia with these powerful words, “Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” Even just listening to preaching at church produces faith and allows the Spirit to work in the life of the hearer. But, many people think that they have to first do good or be good before they can engage in spiritual activity. On the contrary, we engage in spiritual activity because we are so wretched and need transformation.
This curriculum used provides Biblical studies on 49 character qualities which have amazing correlation to the 49 commands of Christ. These studies reveal character traits and flaws that can help your personal development and can be used to train your children, disciples and employees. Features of the "Power for True Success" book include:
* How to have the power to live out character
* Practical definitions for each character quality
* Biblical word studies that explain the quality
* Powerful quotes which give insight into each quality
* Practical steps of action for personal application
* Colorful illustrations and analogies of the quality
