Character Counts: Building a Life That Pleases God

Character is the moral and spiritual foundation that stabilizes our lives when the pressure to compromise arises. In this 12-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll draws from the lives of diverse biblical figures—from well-known heroes to obscure servants—to illustrate the essential traits of godly character. By examining their victories and struggles, we learn how to cultivate integrity, discernment, and faithfulness in a culture where these qualities are often in short supply.

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1. They, Being Dead, Still Speak (Hebrews 11:32–38)

• Overview: An introduction to the “Hall of Faith,” highlighting that God uses flawed but faithful people to model character traits that transcend time.
• Key Fact: God preserved the record of biblical lives not for entertainment, but as blueprints for our own moral and spiritual development.
• Scripture: Hebrews 11:32 – Paul lists Gedeon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, David, and Samuel as examples of those who through faith “conquered kingdoms” and “performed acts of righteousness.”

2. The Discernment of Abigail (1 Samuel 25:1–35)

• Overview: Abigail’s wisdom and quick action prevented a vengeful David from committing a grave mistake, illustrating the power of discernment under pressure.
• Key Fact: Discernment is the ability to see through a situation to the heart of the matter and respond with grace and truth.
• Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:32–33 – David’s gratitude: “Blessed be the Lord… and blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodshed.”

3. The Refreshment of Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:15–18)

• Overview: A look at the rare character trait of loyalty, as seen in a man who sought out a lonely Apostle Paul in a Roman dungeon.
• Key Fact: Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul’s chains; he went out of his way to find and “refresh” him during his darkest hour.
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:16 – “The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.”

4. A Plea for Integrity (Psalm 15)

• Overview: David asks, “Who may abide in Your tent?” The answer is a character checklist focusing on honesty, reliability, and fairness.
• Key Fact: Integrity is defined by “walking with integrity” and “speaking the truth in his heart,” even when no one is looking.
• Scripture: Psalm 15:2 – “He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart.”

5. Reinstatement of a Runaway (The Book of Philemon)

• Overview: The story of Onesimus and Philemon demonstrates the character traits of forgiveness, restitution, and the transformative power of the Gospel.
• Key Fact: In Christ, a “useless” runaway slave becomes a “useful” brother, showing that character can be completely rebuilt by grace.
• Scripture: Philemon 1:11 – “Who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me.”

6. Coping with the ‘Slough of Despond’ (Psalm 42)

• Overview: Explores the character required to handle discouragement and depression, using the imagery of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.
• Key Fact: Character is tested most in the valleys; we must learn to “hope in God” even when the soul is in despair.
• Scripture: Psalm 42:5 – “Why are you in despair, O my soul?… Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him.”

7. Being a Balanced Woman of God (Proverbs 31:10–31)

• Overview: A study of the “Excellent Wife,” emphasizing that her character is built on the fear of the Lord rather than fleeting charm or beauty.
• Key Fact: True beauty is internal; a balanced woman is praised for her wisdom, diligence, and compassion.
• Scripture: Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”

8. Beyond Charm and Beauty (Selected Scriptures)

• Overview: Expands on the idea that character is the only thing that withstands the test of time, contrasting external appearances with internal substance.
• Key Fact: While society prizes the superficial, God looks at the heart and the “imperishable quality” of a gentle and quiet spirit.
• Scripture: 1 Peter 3:3–4 – “Your adornment must not be merely external… but let it be the hidden person of the heart.”

9. A Vote in Favor of Fatherhood (Selected Scriptures)

• Overview: Highlights the essential character traits of a godly father: provider, protector, and spiritual leader.
• Key Fact: The greatest gift a father can give his children is the consistency of his own character.
• Scripture: Proverbs 20:7 – “A righteous man who walks in his integrity—How blessed are his sons after him.”

10. Top Temptations Fathers Face (Selected Scriptures)

• Overview: Addresses the specific character challenges that men face in a secular culture, from the lure of the workplace to moral compromise.
• Key Fact: Temptation is not sin, but yielding to it reveals a lack of spiritual fortification.
• Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God provides a “way of escape” so that we can endure temptation.

11. How to Make the Truth ‘Stick’ (Deuteronomy 6:1–9)

• Overview: Explores the character of a teacher or parent in transferring truth to the next generation through a life lived out loud.
• Key Fact: Truth is most “sticky” when it is modeled in the home through the natural rhythms of life.
• Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:7 – “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way.”

12. Survival Training for the School Jungle (Selected Scriptures)

• Overview: Provides character principles for students (and those in high-pressure environments) to stay true to their convictions in a hostile culture.
• Key Fact: Like Daniel in Babylon, we can “purpose in our hearts” not to defile ourselves with the world’s standards.
• Scripture: Daniel 1:8 – “But Daniel made up his mind [purposed in his heart] that he would not defile himself.”

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Common Questions: Character Counts

1. Is character something you are born with or something you develop? As Pastor Chuck explains throughout the series, character is “built.” It is the result of thousands of small decisions to obey God rather than compromise. While we may have natural temperaments, biblical character is the work of the Holy Spirit transforming our hearts.

2. What is the difference between “reputation” and “character”? Reputation is what people think you are; character is who you are in the dark when no one is looking. The message on Psalm 15 clarifies that true character is rooted in the “truth in the heart.”

3. Why is Abigail considered a model of “discernment”? In “The Discernment of Abigail,” it is noted that she recognized David’s anger was leading him to a sinful act of vengeance. She used her wisdom to protect David’s future as king by providing a “way of escape” that was both humble and truthful.

4. How does Onesimus show that character can change? Onesimus was a runaway slave who had likely stolen from his master, Philemon. After meeting Paul and finding Christ, he returned to make restitution. This shows that the Gospel doesn’t just forgive our past; it reconstructs our character for a “useful” future.

5. How can I protect my character when I feel like I’m in a “school jungle” or a hostile workplace? Drawing from the example of Daniel, the series suggests “purposing in your heart” before the pressure starts. If you decide ahead of time what your non-negotiables are, you are far more likely to stand firm when tested.