an Introduction to Wholeness and Armoring for Spiritual Warfare

This is the second in a series of articles questioning what is means to be holy, becoming righteous through walking with faith with God, and filling the gaps in our armor in preparation for spiritual warfare. The first in this series is “Becoming Righteous” where we introduce the concepts of virtues, values, morals, and ethics. In this article, we will zoom out a bit to introduce the concepts of character and principles before we dive in too deep.

To recap virtues are character traits that lead to positive habits, values are things we hold as important, morals are, like virtues, intrinsic to the individual, internal rules, and ethics are externally enforced rules.

Character as a concept is the umbrella under which all these other concepts, except for ethics, stands. It is the sum of the whole. Having a good and godly character should be our ultimate goal. It is my goal to use these articles to provide a framework that anyone can use to build a good and godly character. I know some of this seems semantic, but I mean it to be systematic (pardon my autism).

Principles are related to morals. Morality is the compass we use to navigate between right and wrong. Principles are standards that calibrate our morality; therefore, principles are internal to morals. While morality may vary from person-to-person principles are generally more universal. Principles give us the why we act. Due to this universality, our starting point here will be morals.

Morality is the foundation our nature/character. I have been listening After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters by N. T. Wright. Since I want you to read the book for your own edification, I will only touch on one concept that I really like his application of and take it a step further. Wright likens character and one’s nature to language. Being a fan of linguistics et al this immediately resonated with me. For starters one must understand that different languages not only use different alphabets but also very different grammar and structuring. Due to this, your language has a massive effect on how your brain develops, your thought processing and paradigms. It shapes, in part, your nature. Those who learn another language tend to find they can approach ideas and problems from different angles they may not have previously considered. Therefore, there does seem to be some credence to this line of thought. If you want to look more into it, search linguistic relativity or language effects on thought.

Moreover, if we look at the brain, the pathways which we use most often become myelinated (reenforced) creating a stronger connection. The less the pathway is used the weaker it gets until it atrophies out of existence. If you have a memory you want to keep, think about it every so often to keep the pathway open.  This is essentially how we learn.  When we practice a second language, we are forcing new pathways to be made. We reenforce correct connections while we attempt to forget wrong ones. With enough practice, using correct syntax, grammar, and vocabulary will become second nature. Building our character is the same concept.

“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5 NIV). If we want to be holy and godly we must come to terms with the fact that our given primary human nature is corrupted due in part to our actions, but also due to the Fall at Eden and subsequent history which we have no say in. Wright brings up Paul several times and in one example he references Ephesians:

“20That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26“In your anger do not sin” ^d : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (NIV).”

Therefore, we must shed our old nature and develop or practice our godly nature so that it becomes our second nature just as we have a second chance through Christ, and in time this second nature will become our primary nature. In another passage Paul is more severe instructing us not only to put away but put to death in Romans 8:

12Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live (NIV).”

We will leave it there so you can pray and meditate on this. Let us come to understand that to possess a godly character we must shed parts of our primary human nature through practice and moral effort. I recommend After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters by N. T. Wright. It is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and kindle. Full transparency, I do not have an affiliate link nor do I get any money for recommending this book.