GBC Community Update: Growing in character means we need to live

Good morning!  I’m wrapping up the thoughts I’ve been sharing on building character. I hope they have, well, helped you grow in character!
 
Outreach opportunity: tree planting in Goldie Park
The Outreach Team invites you to participate in “Tree Planting in the Junction Neighbourhood”.  This is the second year for this event and it will be on Saturday, June 10 from 9 am to 1 pm at Goldie Park, 63 Memorial Cres.  The goal is to create a healthy diverse ecosystem for plants and wildlife to thrive and increase the tree canopy...and for kids to explore!  Tree planting equipment is provided (bring gloves, water bottle and wear closed toe shoes). Everyone is welcome, come for the entire time or just for a bit!  Light refreshments will be provided.  If you'd like to participate, please let Andrea Thornton know by email [email protected] or cell 905-537-9607.
 
 
Thought for the Day:  Growing in Christian Character means….
We’ve been looking at the traits of Christian character and how to develop them in the day-to-day of our lives.  So, let me summarize this a bit and share one more thought.  We develop Christian character by controlling our thoughts, practicing Christian virtues, guarding our hearts, and keeping good company.  Men and women of character will set a good example for others to follow, and their godly reputation will be evident to all.
As we examine this short list is there anything they have in common?
I believe there is!
They all require us to:
Live!
We all live life in context and some form of community. So, to be a person of character we need to live.  But with that in mind, be different in the way that you live life. Be mature and conduct yourself maturely.  This doesn't mean that you have to look totally different but it does mean that you should be mindful of how you dress and thoughtful in your interactions with social media.  As well, listen to good music with a positive message (based on your taste of course!) and avoid any inappropriate videos. Use your best judgment.
The only way to truly live in a Christ-honoring fashion is to know Jesus. You will never know him completely, on earth, but throughout life, by praying, reading your Bible, getting involved with study, being a disciple, being in community in a small group, you can know him more.  Act the way Jesus did, and that's a life worth living.  Once you know Jesus more than you did at first then you can understand how to live.
Remember those WWJD bracelets that were popular a few years ago?  May that be a reminder: what would Jesus do? It’s hard though to do what Jesus did if we don’t BE what Jesus was. And that was a person of character. Strive to live the best character you can and watch your life change and the lives of those around you.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris