When it comes to leadership and faith, character is everything. Bec and Asa recently spoke with Kona John, the youth pastor at Nations Church in Port Kennedy, about why character is so important especially for young people today.
What Is Character, Really?
Character can be a vague term, especially in church circles. “We talk about it a lot,” Kona said, “but not everyone knows exactly what it means.”
He explained that character is a mix of qualities and values. It’s what people think of when they hear your name. “Are you kind? Are you loving? Gentle? Loud? That’s your character.”
What Shapes Your Character?
According to Kona, the things we take in, what we watch, read, and listen to, play a big role. “Everything we digest influences our character,” he said. “As Christians, the Word of God should shape who we are and how we treat others.”
Can You Improve Your Character?
Some people might think their character is set in stone. But Kona believes it’s a journey. “God gives each of us the ability to look at our life and grow,” he said.
For Kona, that meant overcoming shyness and becoming more courageous. “I leaned into mentors and saw the blessing that brought into my life.”
Living It Out Without Words
Even without preaching, our character can speak volumes. “Paul says we should live lives that imitate Jesus,” Kona said. “The way we treat people, loving, uplifting, and joyful, can communicate the gospel more than words ever could.”
Is There a Finish Line?
It’s easy to settle. Maybe you’ve been a Christian for years and feel like your character is ‘good enough.’ But Kona challenges that mindset.
“Jesus is the only one who lived a perfect life,” he said. “There’s always room to grow. If you feel like there’s nothing left to improve, that’s often when God wants to show you something new.”
Final Thoughts
Character isn’t about perfection. It’s about progression. As Kona puts it, “Even when you think your room is clean, there’s always a corner that could use a tidy.”
Listen to the full conversation below.