Defining Character: Habitual Acts Over Occasional Deeds

Character is not determined by the occasional performance of good or bad deeds, but is formed through the repetition of acts that develop into lasting habits6LtMs, Lt 24, 1890, par. 3+1. True character building is a lifelong process of training the mind and subduing the natural heart to follow divine principles rather than fitful impulses7LtMs, Ms 20, 1891, par. 11+1.

The Nature of True Character

• Consistency Over Impulse: Character is not the result of an accident or an occasional action, but is the daily accumulation of thoughts and deedsAUCR January 5, 1914, par. 2. It is the training and education of the mind through repetition that forms our habits, and these habits ultimately constitute the character8LtMs, Ms 32, 1893, par. 10+1.

• The Power of Little Things: Our character is often determined by how we handle the small, seemingly unimportant things in lifeCOL 356.1+1. Underrating these "little things" creates peril in our character building, as they provide the actual discipline of life10LtMs, Lt 25a, 1895, par. 30+1.

• Reflecting the Divine Pattern: A righteous character is developed as we behold the life of Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to mold our experience after the divine similitude6BC 1109.1+1. The law of God serves as the great standard and transcript of His character, which we are to imitateYI February 19, 1903, par. 3+1.

The Work of a Lifetime

Building a character for eternity requires diligent effort and a constant struggle for conquest over selfMH 452.1. It involves placing "solid timbers" into the structure of our lives—such as integrity, temperance, and kindness—while removing the "rubbish" of selfish motivesYI February 19, 1903, par. 3+1. Every day, we are either placing a "good or a bad brick" into this structure, deciding our destiny for eternal life or eternal ruinCT 61.2+1.

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much" Luke 16:10.

"Why by their fruits you shall know them" Matthew 7:20.

It takes time for a person to establish a character. It is not the occasional doing of either good or bad deeds that constitutes character or forms habits. You should look well to your spirit and course of action, for they are not altogether right. You ha...— 6LtMs, Lt 24, 1890, par. 3 (1889)

Neither occasional good deeds nor occasional bad deeds constitute character, or form habit, but it is training and educating the mind to the feelings of the same kind by repetition. What is done once by impulse one will more readily do a second time. I have been shown that the Lor...— 8LtMs, Ms 32, 1893, par. 10

Acts repeated form habits, and habit constitutes character. My young brother, for Christ’s sake, make a decided effort to cooperate with God. Do not make...— 13LtMs, Lt 46, 1898, par. 24

Acts make habits, and habits constitute character. There is no fear of overlooking great things, but there is peril in overlooking and undervaluing li...— 10LtMs, Lt 25a, 1895, par. 30