Devotion and Character

Does having personal intimacy with God come before the way we treat others? I used to say that the latter was a result of the former, but now I wonder if practicing Christ-like character is way to connect with the Divine I’ve never tapped into.

Devotion – Inward; hiding in your closet to pray; thinking on the Scriptures; hanging out God to deepen the friendship.
Character – Outward; truly serving others; treating enemies as Jesus does, reflecting the heart of God by word and action.

I always believed that devotion produced character. I often prided myself in the way in which God connects with me; the way our devotional relationship transpires. I used to think it was really normal to have gold dust appear on me, to be awakened in the night by violent wind to hear the Lord’s whisper, to feel electricity run through my body every time take communion, to do two years of counseling in one night while the Holy Spirit visits me alone in my bedroom, etc. Over the last couple of years I have learned that those experiences aren’t overly common. And the way God and I relate to one another may be more “colorful” than for others. That being said, I still hold my opinion that devotion produces character, but I think something is missing.

It occurred to me that the reverse is true as well, that character produces devotion. Thanks to God and my wife, the past several months have been the most character building months of my life. I’ve had the opportunity to begin dealing with long-standing issues for the first time: anger, impatience, holding grudges and being critical. It is astounding to see the “uglies” that surface when in a relationship that cannot be cut or put on hold. So what does devotion produced by character look like anyway?

I helped someone move recently and it was the first time ever where I was so thankful and blessed to be asked. I was so excited to help out. It was a way for others to see a reflection of Jesus and the Church. I felt honored and excited. While driving home I was deeply satisfied and full of joy. I sat there with God, just being. Then the smiles and conversation flowed; it was great quality time with one another. I really think the Lord likes when we see the fruit of his work come out of us.

Treating others well should be a huge priority and a means to friendship with the Holy Spirit. The next time you exercise godly character, an action/reaction you make that has God’s handiwork all over it, try taking a couple minutes to smile back at Him.