Character Over Gifting

1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalms 11, Matthew 3 

“And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David. The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully upon Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the harp, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand and he hurled it, saying to himself, ‘I’ll pin David to the wall.’ But David eluded him twice.”

1 Samuel 18:9-11

It is possible to function with the gift of prophesy and other gifts, and still hold bitterness, jealousy, and even murder in our hearts. Like a jar that we fill with water, the gifts of the Spirit are expressed within the container of our character. Jesus, John the Baptist, Paul, and other New Testament writers focused on the heart, character, and life of a disciple. The anointing and gifting of the Spirit is powerful and essential for a fruitful life in mission; however, it is character that determines how the gifts of the Spirit will be used. Saul enjoyed worship and prophesying but these practices did not transform him. Saul’s character transformation required the surrender of his will, humility, and the fear of the Lord in his life. Character trumps gifting every time!

“Lord Jesus, change my heart and make it yours, for your glory.”