Choose Character
And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love. Romans 5:4-5
I’ve had lots of time to reflect on ministry, church and the Christian life since stepping out — for a season — from full time vocational church leadership. Driving an Uber gives me insight into many hurts and honest opinions about Christianity and how our buildings and leaders are perceived by others that live WAY outside our ‘safe zones’…
Far too often we see people hurt or confused because their leader's charisma has exceeded his/her character. This breaks my heart.
We must STOP celebrating big personality, talent, popularity and stage presence - alone - and, instead, look deeper inside to see a person's integrity, track record, prayer life and sustained ministry to others...
• Charisma will get you noticed.
• Charisma will get you promoted.
• Charisma will get you on the stage.
• Charisma will get you the crowd.
• Charisma will get you popularity.
• Charisma will get you responsibility... then, look out!
This is often where it becomes too much to bear
and something, or someone, breaks down!
Character sustains, builds, prefers others, seeks truth, listens, learns, waits... Character is trusted by God and brings wisdom with it...
Be careful what you seek.
Be careful who you follow.
IF you've made mistakes - own them - God's good and His grace is bigger than all of our blunders!
Character takes more time to develop than Charisma but it lasts MUCH longer and will bring with it the wisdom, from God, to lead & sustain you. God is doing a deep, pure, work in my heart. And has given me a new passion and empathy for the lost & broken. I feel the same heart that was beating out of my chest — during our intercity Detroit days — TODAY more & more & more. May the character of my daily private life far surpass any charisma seen in my public moments.
Just some thoughts from me & my journal.
Chilly
