Gifts, Character, and Lordship
Becoming Clay in the Potter’s Hands.
Gifts can dazzle, but character sustains—and only under the Lordship of Christ do both find their true place.
Have you ever noticed how God often places remarkable gifts in people—whether spiritual gifts like prophecy, teaching, or healing, or natural abilities that shine in leadership, creativity, or compassion? When these gifts are expressed, it’s a beautiful thing to witness.
But maybe you’ve also seen the other side. Sometimes gifting runs ahead of character, and the results can be heartbreaking. A leader may inspire with their words yet struggle in private. A person’s gift may build a ministry but leave cracks in the organization. Churches and communities can be shaken, not because God’s gift failed, but because the vessel carrying it wasn’t grounded in His heart.
Gifts reveal God’s grace. Character reveals God’s heart. But Lordship reveals our surrender.
The Spirit distributes gifts freely, as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). They are grace, not badges of validation. But character—the fruit of the Spirit—is cultivated in us over time. And all of it must flow under the Lordship of Jesus, where He—not our gift, talent, or even calling—sits on the throne of our life.
Jesus warns that people can perform mighty works in His name and still miss the heart of obedience to Him as Lord (Matthew 7:21–23).
Gifts without character can collapse under pressure, but gifts and character outside of His Lordship lead to pride, self-promotion, and devastation.
God desires vessels, not just voices.
We are clay in the Potter’s hands. He molds not only what we do but who we are. Romans 8:29 reminds us that we are being conformed into the image of His Son.
That means patience shaped in waiting, humility carved in trials, gentleness forged in surrender. All of this begins when we bow to Jesus as Lord, not just Savior—when we let Him lead, not simply follow our agenda.
Spiritual gifting may open doors, but Christlike character under His Lordship keeps those doors from collapsing.
The world doesn’t just need our gifts; it needs the fragrance of Jesus formed in us. Gifts, character, and abilities all find their true purpose when surrendered to Him.
Reflection
What role does humility play in keeping both character and gifting aligned with Jesus?
In what areas of your life might the Potter still be shaping rough edges for His glory?
How can we encourage others who are gifted but struggling to also cultivate character under His Lordship?
When have you personally experienced the blessing of someone whose gift was matched by deep Christlike character?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are not only Savior but also Lord. Thank You for the gifts You place in Your people, gifts that display Your grace and bring life to others. But more than gifts, shape our character to reflect Your heart. Keep us humble, surrendered, and moldable in Your hands. May our lives carry the fragrance of Christ—gift and character flowing together under Your Lordship. Amen.