LW EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK DRAFT

CHARACTER BEFORE GIFTING
I Cor 12:4-13:3; I Tim 1:12-17; Luke 18:9-14; Titus 1:15-3:11; Gal 5:22-23; I Tim 4:6-16
Christ in you is our only defense against the enemy, our flesh and our own pride. Listen to the righteous
assessment of godly people around you. Accept what they can see about you rather than what you
cannot see without listening to others. We all have blind spots, but through trusting relationships,
and a teachable spirit, we can hear God’s voice through those around us and avoid failure. In those
blind spots we struggle to be faithful. This is when we need the love and support of people who are
for us and want us to succeed.
The best way to change is to fasten your attention upon God and godly people and allow both to
speak into your life. Do not be overly sensitive to criticism, nor inflated by praise. Instead recognize
your brokenness, acknowledge your gifts and refuse to take yourself too seriously.
• Humble yourself and God will exalt you.
• Pay attention to your character flaws ...the enemy does!
• Gifts are for the common good, so is your character.
• Membership of the Body depends upon your Christ likeness not your spiritual gifting.
• You will destroy with your attitude and character what God has built with your gift.
• Discipline yourself in godliness ...the best form of control is self-control.
How We Team: Look for places where you elevate or devalue others based on their gifting while
overlooking their heart and character. Pour into seeing people grow in gifting, anointing, AND
character! Who people are is more important than what they can do.
Value: Not valuing character will diminish your gift. When your progress in godliness is visible, your
trustworthiness will increase and your anointing will expand.
12 LIVING
WATERS
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK