I grew up thinking for most of my life that the character traits you exhibit are an unchangeable part of who you are. But I've begun to question this because of the biblical doctrines of total depravity and sanctification. Total depravity says that the whole person is corrupted by sin--to include character flaws demonstrated by sinful choices to betray, give up, lie, steal, cheat, be lazy, cave in to fear and temptation, and generally to seek idols instead of God, the fundamental flaw. Unbelief too should be thought of a character flaw. Belief is moral, not just experiential. Morality depends on faith, not just decency.
A believer's new birth means that the old, sinful nature is dead and a new creature has been born of God, in Christ, by the Spirit. True belief, repentance, justification, reconciled relationship with God, and entry into Christ's Body and Bride the Church follow new birth. All of these will then lead toward sanctification., the supernatural transformation of the believer's heart, mind and actions by the Holy Spirit. The believer experiences changes desires which compound into a greater desire for godly desires, changed thoughts which compound into patterns aimed at holier thoughts and changed actions which compound into patterns of action aimed at holier actions.
All of this is a gift of the grace of God, intended for God's glory. Sanctification can produce new, previously impossible boldness, courage, humility, ambition, honor, loyalty, honesty, persistence, resilience and toughness. Galatians says that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Sanctification requires the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, God.
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