Do Circumstances Dictate Your Character?

character and circumstances
Examining the role that certain circumstances play in shaping who we are and exploring new means of reconditioning our character through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.


The Correlation Between Character And Circumstance

About 30 years ago I recall sitting in a Bible class that my friend and mentor was teaching. He made the statement that ‘anyone would commit any sin given the right circumstances.’ Wow! That statement struck me like a lightning bolt. I did not believe what he had just spoken. I questioned him to confirm that I heard him correctly and he readily confirmed the statement to me.

Many years later now I can confirm that his statement was absolutely correct. The right set of conditions/circumstances can create the environment in which you and I will commit any sin. I realize that this is a strong statement but I encourage you to read on.

Ron Willingham is a friend of mine and wrote in his book ‘The People Principle’ on page 100 the following information:

In his classic As a Man Thinketh, James Allen, the English minister, wore this wise observation. ‘The soul attracts that which it secretly harbors; that which it loves and also that which is fears; it reaches the height of its cherished aspirations; it falls to the level of its unchastened desires – and circumstances are the means by which the soul receives its own’.

I have another way of stating how circumstances affect us.

‘Circumstances are the means by which our true character is revealed. They are the gates by which we choose either to grow or fall.’

One fact of life is equal to all – each of us is confronted with circumstance.

Finding Opportunities For Change

If circumstances can so condition us to fall, they can equally provide opportunities to make real differences in our lives. There is a misconception that is prevalent in our societies. It says words to the effect that a person cannot really change, not at the deepest character level. Dr. Maxwell Maltz wrote a classic in the 1960’s called ‘Psycho-Cybernetics.’ The term ‘self-image’ exploded into our world through this book.

Dating Advice in how to make changes.

For purposes of this article, I want to bring to you an awareness of how circumstances are gateways of opportunity. I am not saying that they are pleasant or fun.

It is my firm belief that many, if not most, circumstances are the evolution of previous choices.

The road to failure and disappointments begin with small steps in the wrong direction. Little, seemingly harmless, choices that we make in our daily lives that add up to return in big packages. Each choice that you and I make is of big importance.

The good news is that we do not have to remain where our ‘circumstances’ may have taken us. We can Change as we invite God’s Spirit to guide us to discover how circumstances/choices have deeply impacted us.

If a person can be conditioned to commit any sin, they can also be conditioned to live on a higher path. Do circumstances dictate the results, or are they gateways by which you and I can grow?

Life is about ‘choices!’ I challenge you to look for the best choices.

Dr. Jim

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1Cor. 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

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2 comments on “Do Circumstances Dictate Your Character?Add yours →

  1. the bible tells first there must be a willing mind and with this mind of christ we offset the plans of the flesh.and we can upset satan.the bible tells us how the atmosphere was just right for josephto sleep with his masters wife but he did not. says:

    the bible tells us first there must be a willing mind. joseph had a major chance to seduce his masters wife certainly he was lonely he had the excuse. he chose however to give the devil a major upset.

  2. The Bible also tells us the we always have a willing mind toward sin. Always. The moment we say we do not, we show our sin, manifesting in that instances as self righteousness. At that moment, that devil you speak of has you exactly where he wants you.

    Tread fearfully toward repentance.

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