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Honoured Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: US
Posts: 2,170
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Thanked 1,124 Times in 1,009 Posts
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Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You
Character over Giftings
The Bible teaches about the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Many times, the Church overemphasizes the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Yet spiritual maturity is not gauged by our gifts but by how the fruits of the Spirit are expressed in our lives: love, joy, peace, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22).
Great spiritual character is formed when we grow in the fruit of the Spirit. Instead of focusing on that, though, we have placed much more importance on giftings. Now, everyone is given gifts from God. Some are natural gifts like intelligence, business ability, or musical talent. Some are spiritual like servanthood. Either way, it is important that we value character over these giftings.
Many great speakers and orators can tell stories, making people laugh and cry. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that they are driven by the Holy Spirit and are people of character. Character should always trump giftings.
"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:2-7, ESV).
These verses express that when we humble ourselves under the hand of God Almighty, he will exalt us and put us in great places. This only happens when we kneel and humble ourselves before the Lord. In humility, he will reveal our giftings.
It is vital that we operate with this discernment in the church today. Don't be fooled just because somebody is a great orator. Thank God for great speakers and singers, but if character doesn?t match the gift, remember to prioritize character over giftings.
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I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
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