The root word for character is “chisel,” because a man is inwardly formed through difficulty.
The All-Pro basketball player Kevin Durant was talented like many others, but he has become great because he put one phrase from his high-school coach deep into his heart and psyche.
His coach, Tim Notke, said, “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.” Durant is a hard worker.
Paul said it this way, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Romans 5:3,4
Endurance is difficult because it fights against our desire for "now." Suffering is difficult because we are born averse to pain.
Building character means to be "chiseled." For most of us as men, we don’t develop character because we’re pushing back on the hand that holds the chisel.
Be daring. Accept the chisel. Follow Jesus passionately.
