Indirect Characterization – How Do Others See You?

In literature, indirect characterization reveals a character by his or her actions, or by what other characters in the story say about them.  “Actions speak louder than words” is appropriate in discovering indirect characterization.  In “The Cask of Amontillado” (by Edgar Allen Poe), for example, the reader soon discovers that while the main character speaks of friendship to his companion, his actions demonstrate evil intent.  Those actions are a truer representation of his character than are his words.  “Her kindness is known by all” one character might say of another, or “His acquaintances all agreed that he was not to be trusted” are further indirect characterizations, but this time through what others say about a character – usually due to long-standing observation and experience.  Jesus utilized indirect characterization when He spoke of two men asked to go work in the fields.  One said he would not go, but ended up going.  The other said that he would go, but didn’t.  Their actions demonstrated more of their character than their words.

You may be the only enactment of the Gospel, the only reflection of heavenly standards, that some needy people come across today.  How will others see you?  How do those who encounter you daily see you?    We often have a firmly entrenched version of the person that we are.  But, according to our words and our actions, by our attitudes and responses – we might be surprised how others characterize us.  You quite often hear people speak of their own self-confidence by saying, “I don’t care what anyone else thinks of me.  I’m not concerned with other people’s opinion of me.”  And while we might initially think how impressive it is that the person is so settled and sure within their own being, it ultimately does not hold up to Gospel standards.  For indeed, according to Scripture, he or she is “nobody of superiority except in his own estimation.”!  (Galatians 6:3)

It does matter how others see us. Do they observe peace or irritability at unexpected negative circumstances?  Do they expect a self-involved or a gospel-centered response to daily issues?  Do they seek your advice or avoid your judgment?  Do they trust your wisdom and discretion or, through experience, rely on the counsel of others less likely to gossip?

When I am approached by someone eager to share with me the faults of another, my first thought is always to wonder what they might be willing to share about me when I am not within earshot.  My second thought is to terminate the conversation as graciously as possible, or model the correct way to speak of others.   Ephesians 4:1 exhorts us to “behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service.”  According to the Word that behavior includes thinking of others as better and more superior to ourselves. (Philippians 2:3).

Galatians 6:4-5 – “Let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work.  He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor.  For every person will have to bear [be equal to understanding and calmly receive] his own little load [of oppressive faults].”  [Emphasis mine]

And it is our own little load of oppressive faults that very effectively diminish the Gospel message we are daily meant to deliver.  The good news, the effective remedy, is the Holy Spirit, Who daily guides us into righteousness.  Allow Him today to illuminate for you those areas of your heart and character that need resurrection life.

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father in Heaven.”

 

God’s Word on the subject:

Galatians 6:1-6                 Philippians 2:3