Building Godly Character: A Step-by-Step Guide for Lasting Growth

Discover how building godly character shapes your spiritual journey and strengthens your walk with Christ. 

Welcome to another episode of the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body Blog from Doxa Missions. Today, we’re looking at a topic that touches every believer’s daily walk: building godly character. 

By the end of this post, you’ll see why character matters, how godly and ungodly character differ, and practical steps you can take to build a life that truly reflects Christ. 

What Is Character? 

Character is often described as one of the attributes or features that make up or distinguish an individual. It is the moral and ethical makeup of a person, the part of us that defines how we think, act, and respond to life. 

Synonyms for character include nature, personality, disposition, quality, temperament, and make-up. All of these reflect what lies beneath the surface—the “real you.” 

But here’s the truth: character can be godly or ungodly. And as children of God, our call is to cultivate godly character that reflects Christ in us. 

The Character of a Saint 

The Bible paints a beautiful picture of the character that should define every believer. Here are some traits of a saint, with supporting scriptures: 

• Attentive to Christ’s voice – “The sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out… and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” (John 10:3-4, KJV) 

  
  

• Bold – “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1, KJV) 

  
  

• Contrite – “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity… I dwell… with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” (Isaiah 57:15, KJV) 

  
  

• Faithful – “They that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14, KJV) 

  
  

• Holy – “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” (Colossians 3:12, KJV) 

  
  

• Humble – “Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5, KJV) 

  
  

• Loving, Merciful, Obedient, Sincere, Watchful, Zealous for good works – all reinforced throughout scripture. 

  
  

Walking in the Spirit involves letting the Holy Spirit shape Christ's character within us. It's not about achieving perfection. 

The Character of the Wicked 

In contrast, the Bible also warns us of ungodly character traits that separate people from God: 

• Boastful (Psalm 10:3) 

  
  

• Covetous (Micah 2:2, Romans 1:29) 

  
  

• Deceitful (Psalm 5:6) 

  
  

• Delighting in sin (Proverbs 2:14) 

  
  

• Disobedient, Envious, Fearful, Hypocritical, Lovers of pleasure, Proud, Selfish, Sensual, Unruly – the list goes on. 

  
  

Many of these traits may seem attractive to the world, even celebrated, but scripture makes it clear they are destructive. Proverbs 14:12 (KJV) reminds us: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” 

When Character and Anointing Clash 

Here’s something sobering: anointing without godly character can be dangerous. 

Take Samson for example (Judges 13–16). He was called and anointed by God with incredible strength. Yet, his lack of discipline and godly character in relationships led to his downfall. 

Romans 11:29 (KJV) says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” God does not take back His gifts, but without godly character, those gifts can be misused. 

This reminds us that character sustains what anointing starts. 

How to Build Godly Character 

So, how do we build godly character in a world filled with temptations and distractions? Scripture gives us clear steps: 

1. Adopt Christ’s Attitude 

Philippians 2:5 (KJV) says: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Jesus modeled humility, obedience, and selflessness. In every situation, ask yourself: What would Jesus do? 

• Be honest. 

• Follow the Spirit’s leading. 

  
  

2. Renew Your Mind 

Romans 12:2 (KJV) exhorts: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This means replacing worldly thinking with God’s truth. Philippians 4:8 (KJV) encourages us to meditate on things that are true, pure, lovely, and of good report. 

3. Stay in the Word 

Psalm 119:11 (KJV): “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Regular study and meditation on the Word fills us with God’s wisdom and equips us to resist temptation. 

4. Live a Life of Prayer 

Prayer is where we align our hearts with God. Jesus said in Matthew 7:7 (KJV), “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Prayer builds intimacy with God and strengthens us to live out His will. 

Final Thoughts (Building Godly Character)

Building godly character is not a one-time event—it’s a lifelong journey. Every day, we’re shaping who we are becoming. As we submit to the Holy Spirit, study the Word, and live in prayer, we will see Christ formed in us. 

Remember, it’s not about striving in our own strength, but about yielding to God’s grace and letting His Spirit transform us from the inside out. 

Now it’s your turn: Which area of godly character are you asking God to build more deeply in your life? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear from you and grow together on this journey of building godly character.