There is just something unique and amazingly different about that person who has weathered a few hard “life storms” and came out of them a bit kinder, more gentle with others who often struggle, and seems to have a deeper well of compassion to draw from.

Friends…. We must put our focus on our character, and not on our gifts and talents and callings. The fact is, we have all received gifts of grace (Romans 12:6a), but what’s important is what we do with those gifts (and our doing always flows out from our character), not just simply because we have the gift!

The history of the Scriptures shows that God never promotes a gifting over a person’s character. This is in direct opposition to the way the world operates! In the world, people with great giftings get promoted, become “superstars,” and often rise to the top of their area of expertise, despite their character.

A person can be mean-spirited, a substance abuser, sexually immoral, a thief, a liar, a murderer and more, but if they are good at what they do, the world still promotes them.
It’s Not so with God!

Our giftings are just that — gifts from God, and they do not impress Him. What impresses God, (and what should impress Christians), is when someone has godly character. We simply must remember that we are not rewarded for our gifts, but for our character!

We can be sure that good character is what will count on the day we make a full account of our lives! YIKES!

God tells us that He will discipline us like a father. He disciplines us because He wants us to correct our character. He is also called “The Gardener” who prunes us so that we can be more fruitful.

He prunes us by removing the things in our lives that interfere and compete with our godliness, so that He can make us more fruitful in our character!

Want to know how to spot a true and humble yet strong leader?

They don’t boast about their wealth, education or great deeds by waving it other’s faces.

They don’t talk down to their associates, treating them like “the help”.

The DO esteem and thank others who work alongside of them, and will honor their efforts sacrifices.

They DO keep their word!

They follow through on commitments and yet, will never be a harsh taskmaster over those who might not move as quickly or who may not have similar passions.

A truly excellent and Christlike leader in any setting or situation will display the fruit of God’s very own personality.

“The Holy Spirit of God produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23.

 

In His Shadow,
~ Mary Lindow ^©

Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed as long as complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You!

” THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
Global Prayer Rooms

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Mary Lindow has a passion for encouraging others – all generations, careers or vocations to live expressing excellence through personal integrity, healthy accountability, and wise management of talents and skills. She’s a sought after keynote, inspirational, humorous speaker and teacher across the USA and internationally in Ministers & Spiritual leaders Conferences, and training seminars for various organizations.

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