Quotes about Character
Too many of us focus on the outward structure of character and conduct without taking the time to build the inward foundation of devotion to God. This often results in a cold morality or legalism, or, even worse, self-righteousness and spiritual pride.
— Jerry Bridges
A verse of Scripture I often use in the face of failure with my own sins is Proverbs 24:16: "For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity." The person who is disciplining himself toward holiness falls many times, but he doesn't quit. After each failure he gets up and continues the struggle.
— Jerry Bridges
Every sin we commit reinforces the habit of sinning and makes it easier to sin. In the previous chapter we discussed the importance of guarding our minds and emotions, since these faculties are the channels through which the various compelling forces reach our wills. But it is also important that we understand how our habits influence our wills.
— Jerry Bridges
Though the power for godly character comes from Christ, the responsibility for developing and displaying that character is ours.
— Jerry Bridges
Holiness and usefulness are linked together.
— Jerry Bridges
You may have sought and tried to obtain instant godliness. There is no such thing....We want somebody to give us three easy steps to godliness, and we'll take them next Friday and be godly. The trouble is, godliness doesn't come that way. ~Jay Adams~
— Jerry Bridges
God is serious about holiness in the lives of His people, and He will discipline us to attain it.
— Jerry Bridges
It might be good if we stopped using the terms "victory" and "defeat" to describe our progress in holiness. Rather we should use the terms "obedience" and "disobedience.
— Jerry Bridges
In all of our thoughts, all of our actions, in every part of our character, the ruling principle that motivates and guides us should be the desire to follow Christ in doing the will of the Father.
— Jerry Bridges
We tend to think of God as being like us.
— Jerry Bridges
First, we should never use the doctrine as an excuse for our own shortcomings.
— Jerry Bridges
Holiness is the perfection of all His other attributes: His power is holy power; His mercy is holy mercy; His wisdom is holy wisdom. It is His holiness more than any other attribute that makes Him worthy of.
— Jerry Bridges