Not too long ago I was having a conversation with a friend and the topic turned to the issue of character. We talked about the affect it has on anointing and gifting, and it brought me to a time of reflection on what my character looks like.
About 20 years ago, I remember hearing that our character had to be at least equal to the anointing/gifting given to us by God. It was, however, far better to have our character be stronger than the gifting and anointing.
When character and gifting/anointing partner together, with the character being equal to/greater than the anointing, it allows all of it to function in excellence, giving us the opportunity to be all we were created to be.
In TWC, as warriors, we train to fight our battles with fruit, i.e., the Fruit of the Spirit. I sat down with the Lord and started going through the list of the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23). Where am I sitting with Love? Joy? And so on.
With each Fruit, there was a sense of “this one is ok for the moment”, meaning it’s where He needs it to be and not a point of focus, right now. OR, there was the sense of a particular Fruit that was “in need of an upgrade”, a place where growth and maturity would allow me to reflect the image of Jesus to a greater degree.
After the evaluation process was complete, two of the Fruit stood out as the ones that were in current need of an upgrade. Before bed, I told the Lord I was ready and willing to receive them. I wanted to walk in them in greater measure because I want my character to supersede my gifting and anointing.
The next morning, I woke up and started going about my day. This day, in my mind, being no different than any other day. But it was different. Very. Before long, I discovered I was functioning in the upgrades I requested! It just flowed so naturally. I was floored. Then it dawned on me…….
Christ is in me. He is Glory’s hope (Col. 1:27). He walks perfectly in every character quality. I am also the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 3:16). Holy Spirit has no character flaws. Both Jesus and Holy Spirit reside in me with all Their perfection, which means I have ready access to all of their qualities, IFI really want them.
I believe that’s why I started seeing the answer to my prayer so quickly. As a daughter of the King, I have access to everything they have. I had come to a place where my character meant more to me than the spiritual gifts or anointing God had given me.
I still have to put these qualities into practice, regularly, in order for them to become second nature. But they are there! I have them! I can walk in them with ever increasing fullness.
Periodically, I will need to go through and re-evaluate where I stand with each Fruit of the Spirit, readjust my heart, and get ready to receive my next character upgrade. I can also consider qualities like honesty, integrity, and righteousness as well. With God, the possibilities are endless!
Is there a character quality on your heart that Father wants to give you?
Like me, your deep heart longing could be the very place where His heart and your heart meet. After all, it is the Father’s heart to give you the Kingdom, reflecting the image of Jesus in all you do….and that includes all the wonderful, amazing qualities we find in His character.
May He bless you with the joy of answered prayer as He did me.
Wrapped in joy,
Sandy Christopherson
TWC Administrator
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