The Quest for Character

by Charles R. Swindoll

So many voices today tell us that avoiding pain and dodging trouble are the best we can expect from life. Yet God is at work in us. He doesn't call us to a bland vanilla existence but to an exciting quest for the best thing in life--a heart that reflects the character qualities of Jesus Christ. Let Chuck Swindoll show you the building blocks of character that God wants to develop in you and how these traits can help you achieve lasting fulfillment. The Quest for Character offers forty encouraging meditations on character qualities that can significantly change your life. Each brief devotional ends with helpful suggestions for refining your character and scripture readings to draw you into God's Word.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Devotional, Lifestyle, Biblical, Faith

124 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[Julie Glynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed using this book as a morning devotional. I highly recommend it!

[Malot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful. I just keep on re-reading different portions of the book, and each time I'd do it, I'd feel both refreshed and challenged to become a better person.

[Melissa Omolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit that this Bible devotional was one of the best Bible devotionals I ever read since I got saved on Sunday, the 22nd of January 2006... This devotional helped me to look forward to reading the Bible everyday and made me take Bible reading more positively, because it can be really tough in the Christian walk.It helped me see the Bible in a new light ,with new eyes, it made me see that the Bible is still relevant to what I am going through right now despite the fact that it was written hundreds of centuries ago.In fact Paul says the Bible "is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong with their lives, for correcting faults and for teaching how to live right" (2 Timothy 3:16 NCV) Mr. Swindoll brought out the applicability of the Bible through his commentaries ..It was a joy reading Mr. Swindoll's commentaries just before I read the Word for the Day.... I loved his stories and illustrations that he used to drive the point home when it comes to giving and guarding your heart in the quest for Character.

[Rose]

248.4 Swi

[Clint Mccain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one back in the 80's & still have it.

[Wannie Michelmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I love this book. It covers so beautifully the Godly character one should have to love and honor God and people. It is idealistic however a good goal one can have. Highly recommended.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this!

[Pablo Enrique · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is structured as a collection of 41 short, devotional-style chapters exploring different facets of character from a Christian perspective. Overall, this was a fine, if largely unremarkable, read for me.

For the most part, the reflections felt somewhat basic, and while some points were solid, they often lacked deep nuance. The book tends towards didacticism, which isn't a style I personally connect with strongly. However, there was one chapter toward the end, focusing on the lasting impact a teacher can have on a student's life, that was genuinely moving, poignant, and by far the most memorable part of the book for me.

My main point of hesitation came from what I perceived as an underlying subtext that occasionally conflated certain conservative political or American cultural values with biblical principles. While not always overt, there were moments where the lines between personal opinion and scriptural truth seemed to blur. This tendency to subtly marry a specific ideology to the text without clear delineation gave me pause. It felt at times like the arguments were more reflective of a particular worldview than a purely scriptural one.

Ultimately, besides one standout chapter, the book didn't leave a lasting impression. It was an average read with some respectable points, but also some underlying theological and ideological conflations that I found problematic.

[Alex Ponce · Rating 4 out of 5]

La búsqueda del carácter maduro es un libro que me gustó bastante. A pesar de ser el segundo libro que leo del mismo autor, tenía una idea diferente de lo que sería; sin embargo, conforme fui avanzando en la lectura, comprendí que la intención del autor era presentar breves capítulos —de una o dos páginas— dedicados a distintos temas que nos orientan y ayudan a desarrollar un carácter maduro dentro del Evangelio.

Algunos de los capítulos me impactaron profundamente, otros no tanto, pero considero que todos son valiosos y necesarios. Quizás el que más marcó mi vida fue de los últimos, titulado “El regalo que perdura”, el cual me dejó una enseñanza muy significativa.

Recomiendo este libro a toda persona que desee aprender más sobre cómo formar un carácter firme, sólido y perseverante en sus convicciones cristianas. Sin duda, el autor logra transmitir con claridad su propósito: motivarnos a ser creyentes que marquen la diferencia a través de un carácter verdaderamente maduro.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constantly challenging the boundaries we put around our lives, this daily devotional opens up the richness of a life that is characterised by a lifelong pursuit of integrity. Anchored in key Bible passages with brilliant use of biographical stories and experiences drawn from a breadth of reading and life experience, this is creative devotional writing of the very highest order.

[Grail Papat-iw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. This got me realized so many things in life.

[Beth Cooksey · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is wisdom in these pages for any Christian who is in pursuit of integrity and inner strength.

[Jodi Garvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story about Teddy Stallard is very impactful and is something I remember often that encourages me in how I love my life.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several short stories on various character matters. Good reading and good illustrations.