Character vs Talent.

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another. However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:3-8

Real spiritual maturity produces a true humble understanding. It never is about ‘self’… but obedience to God and then the value of others. When a person gets elevated into position before a solid spiritual discipline in character is developed within them … it gets ugly quick. Toxic behavior happens when the ‘gifting’ of an individual is utilized BEFORE the refinement of the person’s character. This struggle is often seen within people promoted or thrust into leadership while their character has yet been refined through discipline and hardship. The true evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in someone’s life isn’t their talents or gifts … but His fruit. (Galatians 5:22-23) “Platform” leadership tends to utilize isolation and performance over real connection and close relationship. Examples of this can easily be seen in almost every organization today.

Jesus connects with EACH individual. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate personal Guide and comforter. God’s ways are intimately personal. He is far more concerned about your character than your talent. Lucifer has extreme ‘talent’. We too should be connected with one another in ‘real’ ways instead of moving in or demanding performative expectation from each other. Do you want them to just ‘do’ what …you want? Who is prioritized in that? Who really is ‘served’?

He has told you, mortal one, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

In 1 Timothy 3 Paul advises Timothy on who exactly to promote into spiritual leadership. One of warnings was to NOT promote a new convert (verse 6). I wish more would understand the danger in this ‘act’ of promotion of a new convert. The examples around us now are plentiful. Paul explains why further in verse 6 “so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil.”. Pride is SO quickly developed in the human condition when someone is elevated before their character is refined. Spiritual understanding comes from time spent being schooled by the Holy Spirit, not from human knowledge. Celebrity is often utilized for promotion rather than being concerned for the actual individual. I’ve personally seen this practice far too often in the institutional religious organizations. This happens on Church Boards and Elder ‘elections’ when the individual’s character is the last thing considered.

How would God evaluate my character presently? Who am I really concerned about? What are my first reactions to things? Do I truly submit everything to Him or am I making decisions off what I want? Are the ‘leaders’ you see today … really truly humble? Or is it all an ‘act’? How do you really know?

Father … YOU are real love! Jesus … YOU are worthy to be praised! Holy Spirit … YOU are my Source of wisdom and understanding. Help me discern the Truth. Show me The Way. Teach me YOUR heart.

Let’s start each day with our true heart … in total submission to Him.