Christian Character
Category: Spiritual Growth, Outreach, and Heritage
Skill level: 2
Fundamental Beliefs: Growing in Christ (11), Spiritual gifts and Ministries (17), The Law of God
(19), Christian Behavior (22)
Instructor Required
NOTE: Christian Character is a complex topic. There are a lot of aspects of character that are
copied, albeit sometimes poorly, by people whom are not religious. However, this honor
attempts to challenge young people to compare/contrast, synthesize, and evaluate character
traits and values that are talked about, idolized and yet often scorned in our world. The ultimate
goal of this honor is to encourage young people to intentionally choose to be people of
esteemable character “though the heavens fall.”
1. Define each of the following character traits. Then for each trait, list synonyms,
antonyms, and Biblical examples of that character trait.
a. Courage
b. Integrity
c. Patriotism
d. Citizenship
e. Commitment
f. Sacrifice
2. Define each of the following spiritual values. Then for each value, list synonyms,
antonyms, and Biblical examples of that character trait.
a. Faith
b. Conscience
c. Hope
d. Honor to God and man
3. Read Galatians 5:22-23. List the Fruits of the Spirit, then evaluate which of them are
already included in the above lists (even if by different names). Evaluate which Fruits of
the Spirit you believe are most important to add to the above lists and why.
4. Individually or as a group, evaluate at least 6 of the character traits (courage, integrity,
patriotism, citizenship, commitment, sacrifice), spiritual values, and Fruits of the Spirit by:
a. Comparing and contrasting the words and identifying what they have in common.
b. Discussing how they may be related to one another when seen in real life
situations
c. Synthesizing the lists into a shorter yet complete list of “eternal values.”
NOTE: You could use journaling, poster boards, whiteboards, or other
drawing/illustrating/writing medium to record your thoughts.
5. Discuss how these character traits, spiritual values, and Fruits of the Spirit are currently
evident in people you know at church, school, or other community.
6. Complete the following tasks:
a. Memorize the following quote from Ellen White regarding Christian character
(Education 57:3, 4).
The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought
or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear
to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the
needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.
But such a character is not the result of accident; it is not due to special favors or
endowments of Providence. A noble character is the result of self-discipline, of
the subjection of the lower to the higher nature—the surrender of self for the
service of love to God and man.
b. Dramatize, sketch, illustrate, or write a poem/song, that captures the values
found in the message of this quote.
7. Individually or as a group, do one of the following:
a. Explore Christian character as exemplified by Desmond Doss*, after completion
of the experience, create a multi-media or detailed posterboard/tri-fold display
with all of the following information.
i.
Read a book, watch a documentary/movie, examine a public display, or
read a series of Articles on his/her life. Summarize your findings in 1-2
paragraphs.
ii.
Design and draw a picture of a monument to the selected person. The
wording on the monument should be self-explanatory so anyone viewing
it can automatically understand the steadfastness of the person being
honored by the monument.
iii.
List at least three reasons why Proverbs 3:5-6 and the 10
Commandments were so important to Doss’ life.
iv.
Create a character timeline that illustrates key moments in Doss’ life that
helped develop his character & values.
v.
Find pictures of Desmond Doss.
vi.
Develop interview questions that you would have asked him if you had
been able to meet him OR questions you would like to ask of someone
who DID meet him.
b. Explore Christian character as exemplified by a Christian hero, after completion
of the experience, create a multi-media or detailed posterboard/tri-fold display
with all of the following information.
i.
Read a book, watch a documentary/movie, or read a series of Articles on
his/her life.
ii.
Design and draw a picture of a monument to the selected person. The
wording on the monument should be self-explanatory so anyone viewing
it can automatically understand the steadfastness of the person being
honored by the monument.
iii.
Discover the Bible texts that guided his/her life and mission
iv.
Evaluate which character traits, spiritual values, and Fruits of the Spirit
that are most easily identified in his/her biography.
v.
Find pictures of your Christian hero.
vi.
Develop interview questions that you would have asked him/her if you
had been able to meet him/her OR questions you would like to ask of
someone who DID meet him/her.
8. Write, illustrate, or record a detailed statement of:
a. What you have learned from this honor
b. Which character traits, spiritual values, and Fruits of the Spirit you most wish to
exemplify in your life and why
c. Ways that the hero you experienced have inspired your choices.
*Desmond Doss (1919-2006) was a Conscientious Objector (A1-0), who served in World
War II, as an U.S. medic in the Pacific theater. He is most known for not carrying a gun
into battle, yet is credited with saving 75 lives at the Battle of Okinawa. He received the
U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor in 1945.
Resources:
1. Pathways Curricula for “The Unlikeliest Hero” - Grade 8.
2. Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation - http://www.cmohfoundation.org/
2. "The Conscientious Objector" - Documentary film by Terry Benedict
3. "Desmond Doss - In God's Care" - Book by Frances M. Doss
4. "The Unlikeliest Hero" - by Booten Herndon (Our to print, but to be reprinted)
5. "Small Booklet, Large Picture Book, and Zip Tract of Desmond Doss's life" - Soon to
be published by the Georgia-Cumberland Publishing department