Life in the Cook Islands is rich with beauty, community, culture and faith woven together. But in such a close-knit and vibrant place, it’s easy to mix up the line between living well and living godly, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

God’s calling for us goes deeper than just being kind or good citizens – He longs to shape us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus. For Him, character before comfort, is His priority.

Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Today we are going to explore how God shapes our character according to His will, why it matters, and how we can practically grow as Christlike individuals, right here in our island communities.

1. God’s will is more about who we are than what we do

Many people seek God’s will in choices like careers, or where to live – but the Bible shows that His will is first about who we are becoming in character.

Romans 8:29 says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son...”

God’s ultimate purpose is to shape our inner life to reflect Christ image –marked by love, holiness and purpose.

This is a powerful reminder that our salvation is not a random event – it is part of God’s intentional plan to restore His image in us through Jesus.

Think of a boat – no matter how strong the wind or skilled the sailor, if the boat has a weak or warped hull, it won’t survive rough seas. Likewise, if our character isn’t shaped by Christ, we won’t be able to stand firm in life’s storms, regardless of spiritual activity or talent.

God’s will begin with who we are, not just what we do. What matters most to Him is a heart that reflects Christ – not just achievements.

2. Christlike character is built through surrender and daily choices

You don’t become Christlike overnight. God uses daily decisions, trials and even our failures to shape us – if we surrender to Him.

Galatians 2:20 declares, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…”

The apostle Paul reminded the Galatians – and reminds us today – that the Christian life is about dying to self and letting Jesus live in us each day, so that His life becomes ours.

Growers know that taro doesn’t grow in a day. The grower tends to it, removes weeds and waits patiently for the harvest. Our character growth is the same –daily watering by the Word, daily surrender in prayer, and daily choice to follow Christ, not self.

You don’t grow to be like Jesus just by wanting to – it takes real choices every day and a willing heart that keeps saying yes to Him.

3. Godly character impacts the community and reflects the kingdom

God doesn’t shape our character just for our benefit. A Christlike life shines in our homes, churches and communities – blessing others and revealing the beauty of His kingdom.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

We are encouraged to live in a way that reflects God’s goodness – so that through our actions, others are drawn to praise and honour Him.

In our communities, many of our elders with wisdom and integrity are deeply respected. Imagine a young generation rising with that same spirit – grounded in Christ, speaking truth, loving and respecting others, resisting corruption. That’s not just cultural pride – that’s kingdom fruit.

A godly character isn’t something we keep to ourselves – it’s meant to influence others and reflect Jesus to the world.

To sum it up, God’s will isn’t a mystery – God’s will is simple: become like Jesus. Let Him shape your character in every part of life – whether at work, home, or in leadership.

A renown Christian author said that “The greatest want of the world is the want of men – men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest…” (Education p.57)

Let’s be people of strong Christlike character, faithfully following God’s will wherever He leads.

The question is … How is God calling you to grow in Christlike character – and what daily steps will you take to reflect Him more in your home, work and community?

‘Lord, shape us into the image of Jesus. May our lives reflect Your character, and may Your will be done in our hearts and our homeland … Amen.’