When one looks at the culture around us, it is quite evident that something is amiss. At the root of this is a lack of character. What can be done to address the problem?

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• ​It is important to recognize that everyone has character.

  • Bad character and good (or godly) character.

  • Character develops as a result of experiences across one’s lifetime.

  • Vices and virtues are life habits that become second nature.

    • These contribute to character.

    • Virtues lead to godly character as the Holy Spirit transforms one’s nature.

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• So, what is necessary for the development of virtues that lead to godly character? ​

  • The Early Church Fathers realized that the problems that were challenging the people were common and foundational to other problems.

  • This is visualized the Tree of Vices and the Tree of Virtues.

    • The Tree of Vices is rooted in self and gives first to pride (the trunk) and the various vices (the branches).

    • The Tree of Virtues is rooted in Christ and gives first to humility (the trunk) and the various virtues (the branches).

  • When God's gifts to people are distorted, we take what God provides and make them our source of hope.​

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• The Holy Spirit will work in the lives of people to produce virtues and lead to godly character.

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• ​Virtue is needed for each person to become someone with godly character.

  • Virtues and character are lived out in community.

  • One is to live for others, not for self.

  • This is what is missing in the culture.