According to a study by the Harvard Center for Human Flourishing, in collaboration with Barna and Gloo, there are seven dimensions that should be considered in the development of human character. All of these dimensions should be maintained in a healthy balance, as the exaggeration of any one of them could have negative overall effects.
1. Faith. This dimension is clearly a key element of human life—for the individual, the married couple, the family, and the community. None of them would thrive without the light that faith sheds on clear thinking and right action.
2. Purpose. This dimension encompasses both a person’s ultimate goal and the possibility of reaching it—provided they are able to develop the tools and pathways to pursue it. It represents the “destiny” one can shape for oneself.
3. Health includes both physical and mental well-being. In an era dominated by intellectual and sedentary activities, the physical dimension of life must not be neglected. This calls for daily, effective exercise to maintain the body in relatively good health. At the time of Creation, it is believed that human life involved significantly more physical labor—a lifestyle that has changed dramatically over the millennia. For this reason, it should be clear that one hour of modern exercise cannot come close to replicating the effects of an entire day spent chopping wood, feeding animals, riding horses, ploughing fields, or going into battle.
4. Contentment. This dimension, according to the study, “looks at a holistic view of one’s happiness and the satisfaction they feel in their life”.
5. Relationships. This is an important dimension, as it concerns the quality of both the smaller and larger communities surrounding a person. It implies that all parties should “speak the same language”—that is, share common values, abide by the same rules, uphold the same principles, and pursue shared goals.
6. Finances. The financial health of a person or community has a strong impact on enthusiasm and creativity. When financial pressure is intense, it can stifle any attempt at flourishing. Financial well-being depends both on God’s provision and on the practical wisdom to recognize what activities or resources have the potential to generate income in line with one’s abilities.
7. Character. This is a crucial dimension, as it greatly influences the sense of contentment others experience in relationship with a person. When one’s character is flawed, it inevitably causes pain, grief, or even resentment in others—and often leads to shame within oneself. Addressing this requires both the courage to acknowledge one’s shortcomings and the determination to overcome or at least minimize them. This is also an area where divine help can play a vital role, especially when human strength falls short.
It is important to acknowledge that, although all dimensions of life may seem equally important, their practice requires clear prioritization. I would argue that the most important of all is to show due reverence to God, beginning each day with personal devotional time. Experience teaches us that if we postpone this to the evening, countless distractions or excuses are likely to arise.
Following this, one should set aside time for personal Bible study, ideally accompanied by a trusted commentary to deepen understanding. The formation of character also demands daily attention, as each day brings unforeseen challenges that test our integrity. As Job declared:
I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? For what portion of God is there from above?and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high? Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps? (Job 31:1-4)
These spiritual practices form the foundation for success in all other areas of life. They are not optional or interchangeable. They must come first, and only after them can the rest of our responsibilities and ambitions be addressed according to each person’s schedule.
On the other hand, the exclusive development of a single dimension—whether financial or spiritual—leads to a distorted, even caricatured, personality. In other words, someone who pursues only financial gain is just as imbalanced as one who focuses solely on spirituality. Prioritization does not imply exclusion. The ancients used to say, “Sanctity brings profit,” but that does not mean the other aspects of life should be entirely disregarded.
As said elsewhere, vexatio dat intellectum—vexations and hardships give understanding. In such times, the mind comes to its senses and realizes that its spiritual eyes had been closed. Pursuing financial and material wealth almost exclusively can hinder God’s intention to humble us and open our spiritual eyes. Often, people in material distress are more open to God and to His discipline. Acquiring wealth may even cancel God’s intent to refine and correct a person through hardships.
This is why it seems right to develop our businesses legally and honestly, without tricks or shortcuts, relying instead on God’s timing and plans.
The Deeper Diver 
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