Carlington Spence | Greatness Inside

CHARACTER BEFORE CHARISMA.

Not everyone walks away from their calling. Some people simply drift.

Hebrews 2:1 warns us:
“We must pay the most careful attention… so that we do not drift away.”

And one of the most dangerous places to drift is in our character.

Charisma may open doors.
Giftedness may attract people.
Talent may create opportunities.
But character determines how we walk once the door opens.

You can be gifted and still drift.
You can be anointed and still drift.
You can be influential and still drift.

Because charisma can take you somewhere your character is not developed enough to sustain you.

That is why God is not only developing our gifts—He is developing us.

David was anointed in 1 Samuel 16, but he didn't immediately receive the throne. There was a process between the oil and the crown. God developed his integrity, humility, patience, obedience, and dependence on Him.

“The integrity of the upright guides them.” — Proverbs 11:3

Character keeps you anchored when applause gets louder.
Character keeps you accountable when nobody is watching.
Character keeps you humble when God begins elevating you.
Character keeps you faithful when your gift gives you options.

Paul said, “I press on toward the goal…” — Philippians 3:14.

So don't allow your gift to outrun your character.

As God develops your charisma, ask Him to develop your integrity even more.

Stay in prayer.
Stay in the Word.
Stay accountable.
Stay humble.
Stay teachable.
Stay disciplined.

Because we don't just want the gift to get us there.

We need the character to keep us there.

Character before charisma.
Integrity before influence.
Formation before elevation.

Don't drift.