Character traces it's etymology to the Greek [charakteer], meaning to cut, scratch, mark, or engrave as in a die or cast in order to reproduce an exact image of the original.  The Greek term finds it's only use, and rightfully so, in Hebrews 1:3 describing JESUS as the "express image of HIS person".  JESUS could therefore state with boldness and confidence that "he that hath seen ME, hath seen the FATHER" (John 14:9). 

With this understood, it is abundantly clear that GOD also wishes to fashion HIS character in us:

Beloved, now are we the sons of GOD, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when HE shall appear, we shall be like HIM; for we shall see HIM as HE is.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as HE is pure. (1 John 3:2-3)

For we are HIS workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works, which GOD hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

Therefore if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Being confident of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST: (Philippians 1:6)

For it is GOD which worketh in you both to will and to do of HIS good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

Make you perfect in every good work to do HIS will, working in you that which is well pleasing in HIS sight, through JESUS CHRIST; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:21)
 

Although the word character is not found in our English Bible, its footprint is evident all throughout it's pages.  This virtue is nearly lost in our Narcissistic culture enamored with the gaudy and celebrity, yet it is so basement to behavior and the blessings it bequeaths.  How vain is the behavior modification movement of modern psychology rooted in the fallen intellect of sinful man, but bereft of the solid moorings of Scripture.  The best the world can offer is caricature, GOD, however, desires character.  I have found in my 20 years of Christian youth ministry that behavior is conformable, but fleeting, character is transformable and lasting.  It is hard work personally, and harder still in those the LORD entrusts us to shepherd.  It is the work of GOD, and will never be forged in a pillow fight with the flesh!  Character, like wisdom, will be justified by her children, i.e. discipline, humility, duty, honesty, mercy, forgiveness, diligence, love, devotion, and the like. 

Just down the ridge and across the valley lies the Payne cemetery.  William Payne and his family homesteaded this part of the Ozarks back in the 19th century.  I often wonder of the character required of them as I visit their shallow graves marked by simple stones and shortened years.  Parallel to that wonder is the sorrow in my heart over the general absence of character we see in our day. 

I pray the challenge above and the acrostic defining prerequisites for real character below will provoke this rare and precious quality of grace in your home and family.

CHARACTER ... IS THE WORK OF GOD, AND WILL NEVER BE FORGED IN A PILLOW FIGHT WITH THE FLESH!