David Brooks wrote, “You build character by struggling against internal sins—not by accomplishing great external feats. If you don’t believe in sin, you won’t build great character.” I John 1:8 says “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Recognizing the truth about ourselves is essential to building character. The Pharisees could find fault in everyone else, but they were blind to their own sin. They sacrificed their own character pretending to be perfect. Outside challenges and trials build character because they often reveal internal sins we must overcome.
Adrian Timmons 