"It Takes More Than
Talent"
by John Paul
Jackson
www.streamsministries.com
It takes people with godly character and habits to
effectively advance the
Each of us must decide to take the necessary steps to strengthen our own moral
legacy. We must practice what we preach. We must realize that moral excellence
can only be built through Bible study, quiet times with God, and a history of
making "right choices" -- or what I like to call "hidden
victories." Such hidden victories occur when you do the "right"
thing -- pay your taxes, tithe, show kindness to your wife and children, bless
someone who has hurt you -- even when no one sees you except God. A history of
"hidden victories" will insure long-term success in the Kingdom.
4 Components of Godly Character
As I have studied Scripture and meditated on God's view of character, I have
concluded that four components provide evidence of godly character: love,
integrity, maturity, and an abundance mentality.
1. Love is essential to every ministry. The Apostle Paul wrote: "If
I speak God's Word with power, revealing all His mysteries and making
everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, 'Jump,'
and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing" (1 Corinthians 13:2, The
Message). Throughout God's Kingdom, there have been generations of "gifted
nothings" -- people who have done miraculous work but who never truly
understood the need for intimacy with God.
2. Integrity is the act of being honest at all times. We must forge a
foundation of trust with those whom we are mentoring, equipping, and leading.
If we have integrity, our words will be remembered, because others will have
seen that our actions match our words. Jesus had the highest level of integrity
possible; His disciples knew that Jesus practiced what He preached.
3. Maturity involves sound reasoning and decision-making. When a person
has walked through the trials and fires of life, spiritual maturity is
developed. God says in Isaiah 48:10, "Behold, I have refined you, but
not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." This
furnace is at full flame when we are off the platform, living our lives away
from the public eye. It takes the private testing of God to see a person's
character solidify and mature.
4. Abundance mentality sees God as having so much talent and anointing to
give that no individual could have it all. The mind-set of abundance is
about demonstrating humility -- it's not about us, but about God and His
Kingdom. Anything less will breed jealousy. We must have a heart that blesses
the gifts others have, knowing that all gifts are given by God to help others
and to advance God's Kingdom.
"Only Through Him Can
We Help Others Reach Their God-Given Destiny"
God wants us to live today in such a way that will inspire others tomorrow. He
has a vantage point of what will be, not just what is,
or has been.
Many of us have been content to grasp at slivers of spiritual insights, but the
Holy Spirit wants to give us fuller concepts of God and His ways.
We must develop an ever-growing godly character and walk in greater integrity
and maturity so that we can understand God's plans and visions for others. The
Lord, by helping us practice our private victories, can make our lives a
lasting and public contribution to His eternal Kingdom. Only through Him can we
help others reach their God-given destiny.
by John Paul Jackson
www.streamsministries.com