Introduction: Is the chain strong, or will it break down? How can we become more influential with our families, our friends, and in our workplaces? Are we forfeiting our influence because of a lack of understanding—or worse, an unwillingness to make an honest evaluation of ourselves?

How can we leave a more lasting legacy? Are we supposed to simply eat, drink, and be merry, without caring about the influence we have on others? Have we fallen into a rut of pleasing ourselves rather than leading others?

How does character connect to leadership? Should there be standards for leadership? Where do we draw the line? Do we admire others who lead well? And are we willing to pay the price to be effective leaders for our families and our peers?

What character traits need to change—whether good or bad? Truthfully and honestly, are you willing to pause and examine not just what you say, but what you do—or don’t do? More importantly, are you willing to take the steps necessary to make change as you pray, submit to God, and cooperate with the Holy Spirit?

This is a lengthy process—not an overnight transformation. But we must start somewhere. Why not start today?

First, we must recognize the need for godly character. Next, we must be willing to ask the Lord to change us from the inside out.

God’s process works from the head (Romans 12:1–2) to the heart (Ezekiel 36:26–27)—or sometimes the heart to the head—as He overhauls our lives. The life of Christ on the inside is greater than the world’s influence on the outside.

Christian character is formed through the renewing of the mind and the submitting of the will. It requires renouncing self from the throne and surrendering the throne to Jesus Christ. This is the key.

By the way, this is not merely repeating the right words. It is a broken spirit—one willing to yield to the power of the Holy Spirit. Only God can bring a person through this kind of change. But oh, what a change He makes.