DCLM Higher Everyday 5 November 2024 — Character Before Charisma
DCLM Higher Everyday 5 November 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Character Before Charisma
Topic: Character Before Charisma
Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Key Verse: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Message
Character is the distinguishing or peculiar trait of an individual. Charisma is one’s personal ability to influence others without coercion. Our text clearly teaches the priority of a godly character – love. Without love, our works are dead works. Character distinguishes you from the rest, and keeps you relevant and lifted. Charisma is good, but it’s not enough. Love is the foundation upon which character is built. The absence of love is the absence of an essential character component.
Also Read: Higher Everyday 4 November 2024 – Do Not Commit Suicide
Therefore, speaking in the tongues of men and of angels, possessing the gift of prophecy and faith that can move mountains, releasing all your goods to feed the poor, and even giving your body to be burnt, without love, all will profit nothing. Thus, our lifestyle must be in tandem with God’s Word and established in His love. Believers are to possess Christ-like character. Our lives should radiate God’s glory. A sinner cannot show forth godly character, he or she is born again. Backsliders cannot either, except they genuinely return to the Lord. Only then can they radiate the godly character.
Quote: Radiate God’s glory
Challenge: Your character will distinguish you.
Prayer for today: Lord, help me to show forth godly character.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
