Building Christ-like Character

     Psychologists promote ten commandments for character development that appear to be based on The Word. Although the psychologists are more concerned with character development as it relates to persons with personality disorders, their list integrates the Word as we are admonished to have the "mind of Christ". Since I have a desire to understand personality disorders--narcissism as well as character disorders, I will share what I discovered via the Internet. Bear with me, please. I do have a point to make.  First--narcissistic behavior exists in people who:  overreact to criticism, take advantage of other people to achieve their goals, have excessive feelings of self-importance, exaggerate their achievements and talents, disregard the feelings of others, are obsessed with self-interest, and pursue mainly selfish goals.  The solution/treatment most considered is intensive therapy.  The problem with attempting to treat people who are narcissistic behavior is that they don't believe there is anything wrong with them.  Life's problems for them are always caused by someone else.  They will not accept responsibility for their actions and are incapable of rational thinking.  In order to change their character development, the following is offered:
1)  Recognize your impact on the world around you--no man is an island and everything we do impacts others--positively or negatively."defend the rights of the poor and the needy",  "love your neighbor as yourself".
2) Strive to be grateful--there is nothing worse than being around an ungrateful person who believes the world owes them something. "Give thanks always."
3) Maintain a balanced sense of self-worth--"we should not think more highly of ourselves" for when we do, we deceive ourselves only.
4)  Be honest--No one likes a liar--"Satan is the father of liars and the truth is not in him"--Jesus is the truth, the light, and the way--to get into heaven.
5) Live for more than seeking pleasure--"where our heart is lies our treasure".  We cannot accomplish much in the Will of God, if we only live to seek our own enjoyment and pleasure.
6) Think before you act--"Finally my brothers think on these things--honesty, purity, virtue..." Acting impulsively without thinking of the consequences usually leads to a disaster--a mess for someone else to clean up
7) Strive to develop soundness/rightness of will--If you only do the right thing, you never have to worry about doing the wrong thing. To know what's right--think about how you would feel if someone did things to you that you have done to others.  "Seek the Lord, while He yet may be found".
8) Manage your aggressive instincts thoughtfully and constructively--Not everything is about how loud you get or how much profanity you use--this is destructive behavior and serves the best interest of no one.  "Do all things decently and in order".
9) Treat others with civility and positive regard--Keep a civil tongue in your mouth, "a soft answer turns away wrath".
10) Be sincere of heart and purpose--"Do all things as unto the Lord".  Remember whatever a person sows, that and that only is what they will reap.

For truly remarkable character building--get into The Word, allow the Word to get into You, and then you can ask what you will and it will be done unto you (John 15).  "Let this mind be in you that is also in Christ Jesus" .  It is the Word that will build character and negate/nullify personality and character disorders.  Not many who suffer from personality disorders need a psychiatrist--they need Jesus!  Pray for them--that they will allow the truth to permeate their minds and souls that God will truly get the Glory in their new attitudes.