Central Christian Qualities

Here is a list of central Christian qualities that both individuals and institutions(churches) will display as a result of following Jesus Christ. Not that I have these but I think that I should

Humility
-Not selfishly ambitious or seeking power
-Not pushy or controlling
-Jesus who had ultimate power asserted none of it. He affiliated with unimportant people who had nothing to offer him. He could have taken over the world by military might or physical force but he didn't.

Contentment
-Are satisfied with what God has given them
-Do not see material items as being the solution to their problems
-Jesus didn't setup a stable base of operations and his disciples had to give up their's to follow him.

Hopeful
-Should always have and hold out hope to others
-When all others have given up hope believers should be the exception
-One of the central beliefs of Christianity is that this reality isn't all their is and that we have a bright future as we rely on Jesus Christ.
-I think Joy and Hope are integrally linked together, perhaps producing encouragement.

Sacrificial
-Desires and looks forward to giving things up for the sake of others
-Is looking to learn the benefits of sacrifice personally
-Jesus sacrificed throughout his life and in his death

Redemptive
-Has a heart to give value back to that which has been called useless or hopeless
-Jesus cultivated relationships with people rejected by society (whore, a tax collector, blue collar workers, an activist). He healed using rejected things (spit, mud). He took a man determined to destroy his followers and used him to reach the world. He (God) came down and redeemed us.

Courageous (Risk-Taking)
-Has the ability to do what needs doing that others fear to do
-Jesus did this so frequently that it is impossible to relate every occasion. Courage was a hallmark of faithful characters in tht Old Testament too (Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Elijah & Elisha, Daniel & most of the prophets)
-Trust God enough to move even when everything else says to stay put

Forgiving/Gracious
-Since we have been forgiven even at our very worst, we should want to extend that same forgiveness to others

Introspective
-The focus of questioning motives and judgment should be focused inward primarily
-Understanding of others is fostered by judging ourselves first and realizing the grace we give ourselves
-Jesus accepted those who perceived their own faults and judged those who were blind to their own faults.

Patience
-Endurance & self-control are results of real patience
-Patience realizes that results can take a long time to show if they ever show at all
-God is a god of inefficiency. He demands patience because he works in years and decades more often than seconds and minutes. God is in no hurry and we get ourselves into trouble when we get into a hurry.

More to come...