In Didn’t See It Coming, Carey Nieuwhof writes, “The soul work of character regeneration is far reaching and is at the heart of what Christians often call spiritual maturity.”

This line occurs in the middle of a discussion on the importance of competency and character when it comes to avoiding compromise. Not compromise in the sense of working together, but in making a decision you never thought you would make. Though he didn’t describe it this way, I see competency and character as the two guardrails that keep people from compromising.

On the field, compromise can come in areas you never expected when you first went to the field. Sure, we are all aware of sexual compromise, but how about compromises you might make financially due to less support coming in than needed. Or becoming so frustrated with your home or host culture that pride slips in?

It was the phrase “the soul work of character regeneration” that caught my eye. Part of tending your soul on the field is to every now and then do a quick character checkup. Ask yourself, “Am I getting closer to compromise than I should be in this area?” I was also drawn to the word regeneration. If you have compromised, or are veering in that direction, hope is not lost! That part of your character can be regenerated.

“Think about what gets transformed in your life when you commit to the development of your character:”

Honesty.

Love.

Kindness.

Faithfulness.

Trustworthiness.

Humility.

Compassion.

Courage.

Faith.

Resiliency.

Patience.

Perseverance.

Self-control.

Self-discipline.

These are the elements that form your character. Go over this list in prayer or on a walk with God (write it down, print it off, or make a voice memo that you play on the walk). Talk with Him about each area. Ask how that part of your personal life and your ministry life is going.

If you uncover places where you have compromised, commit to work on that area. Confess it (if no where else, to God and yourself). Compromise creates the gap between your interior and exterior world. While the exterior is what obvious, God is more interested in your interior world.

Read over the list one last time, and marvel at the rich life He wants for you to have when it comes to your character:

Honesty.

Love.

Kindness.

Faithfulness.

Trustworthiness.

Humility.

Compassion.

Courage.

Faith.

Resiliency.

Patience.

Perseverance.

Self-control.

Self-discipline.

Tending your soul doesn’t just happen, but it is worth it.

P.S. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the thought of your first year on the field? Will you like the food? Will you learn the language? Surely you’ll connected to God or get along with your teammates. But what if you’re wrong? Don’t miss this chance to “Make the Most” of your first year on the field.

Photo by yoshie yokouchion Unsplash