At Faith-Centered Mentoring and More, we believe that character development and the quest for Christ-likeness is one of the most important and attainable goals for every believer. The Apostle Paul said that "Jesus was the exact representation of His (God's) nature." (Hebrews 1:3) Jesus' character and God's character were the same. When people met Jesus, they could see who they were in comparison to God and what they should try to become. As believers, we are called to reflect Jesus and thus the very character of God. This would be an impossible task except for the one important, God-given gift, the Holy Spirit.

We are excited to present CARS (Character, Assessment, Research, and Solutions). Our recent articles on this website introduced readers to CARS through a very simple self-assessment of 15, what we call "character markers." Later this year, we prayerfully hope to make available to everyone an online assessment tool designed to provide believers with a careful examination of their character and the resources needed to grow in the character of God. You can find out more about the progress on CARS by visiting www.CARSresources.com.

The assessment is a key part of CARS. Equally helpful are the resources that it provides. Those resources give you suggestions of what you can do to improve and continue to be strengthened in your character. CARS has put together a resource packet for all of its 35 character markers that are currently part of the on-line assessment. Thanks be to God that He gives you the following available resources to help you achieve your goal of Christ-likeness:

1) His Word

2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that God’s Word is able to equip us to be all that we can be for Christ.

2) Godly examples

Others have gone before us and shown us ways that we can live for Him and grow in Him (Hebrews 12:1).

3) Books, websites

We have plenty of readily available resources at our finger tips today. Paul was confident enough to tell others to follow his example (Philippians 4:9, I Corinthians 11:1) and we can learn from the godly lives of present day Christians as we strive to be more like Christ.

4) Songs and meditations

The Psalms encourage us to sing songs of praise to our Lord and to meditate daily on Him (Psalm 69:30,100:2). We can listen to songs of praise and be strengthen in our Christian character as we reflect on who God is.

5) Support groups

Hebrews 10:25 and 3:13 instruct us to not forsake the gathering together as believers through which we are to encourage each other in Christ. The local body of believers is a great resource to help us grow in Christian character.

6). Goal setting and assistance

To achieve any goal in life, we must first set the goal and then chart out a plan to achieve it. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God does have a plan for our life, and He promises that if we trust Him, God through the Holy Spirit will guide us (Proverbs 3:5-6). We therefore need to prayerfully set our goals and see them through to completion (Proverbs 16:3).

7). Self-examination

It is easy to set a goal and never check up on our progress. If you have ever tried going on a diet or exercising consistently, perhaps you found that it is easy to get a month out and lose sight of your goal. Scripture commands us to examine our self, our faith, and to make sure that we are staying true to the gospel of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 13:5, I Timothy 4:16)

Character development and Christ-likeness is our goal for 2007 and beyond. Please check us out at www.CARSresources.com and let us know how we can assist you in this endeavor.