20^th January 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

THEME: CALLING, CHARISMA, AND CHARACTER

 THEME SCRIPTURE: "Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there a harlot, and went in unto her." Judges 16:1 KJV

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. Where is the place of character in the life of a Christian?

Samson was separated from his mother's womb to be God's instrument in saving His people. By reason of his calling, Samson was gifted. As a Nazarite, he had an unusual strength (charisma) which can only be supernatural from God. Samson, as the judge of Israel, became successful in suppressing the Philistine army single-handedly. The judge of Israel began to toy with his character. His appetite for women of the uncircumcised, as well as prostitutes, was unfit for Israel's judge. Yet these were what he loved (Judges 16:1).

Because his supernatural gifting (his charisma) was directly related to his calling, his strength remained undiminished as long as his hair remained uncut. So there was no question about his calling or his charisma. But sadly, there were major questions about his moral character.

Beloved, at the time of the impeachment of the 42nd President of the United States, America was a divided nation. On one hand, President Clinton was doing a good job as the leader of the most powerful nation in the world. On the other hand, he was being held accountable for his immoral character. Some insisted that as the leader who is getting the job done, his private life should be no one's business. Others were troubled that as a leader of a strong nation, the president was weak morally, and yet his job required that he be morally strong.

Precious one, politicians may argue, and the public may counter-argue, yet it does not change the fact that godly character is the foundation of true Christian leadership.

As Christians, our calling is indisputable. Having been led to Christ, our calling is simply this—to lead others to Christ and also lead them in Christ. In addition, our gifts (manifestation of the Spirit), though differing from one another, have been given to us to profit withal (1 Cor 12:7). What has not been given to us, but must be developed, is character, without which we will not go so far. Beloved, the words of Dr. Peter Kuzmic, the gifted and powerful Christian leader in the former Yugoslavia, should be heeded. He told a reporter at the height of the Bosnian crisis, “Charisma without character equals chaos.” Too bad Samson never met Peter Kuzmic!

Precious one, how will you rate your own character as one called to influence the world? Have you been influenced rather by the world? Would you say that you possess a strong godly character, or are you struggling to maintain one? How important is character to you as a child of God? Is your "Yes" a "Yes" and your "No" a "No"? Are you one who uses people (exploits and takes advantage of them) or do you love them? Remember: calling and charisma without character are deadly. So don't fake godly character. Forge one.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, forge a godly character on the anvil of consecration, discipline, and faithfulness to God. 

Then shall your calling become relevant, and your charisma beneficial.

Re-examine your character.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING: Judges 16:1-30

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. How will you rate your character as of today, being a child of God?

2. Where must you improve when it comes to your character?

PRAYER

Precious Father, I place before you my character. Wherever I fall short, and any defect in my character, I receive your grace to rise above it. From today going forward, I affirm that my judgment is aligned with God's, to do righteousness, in Jesus' precious name. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Matthew 20; Genesis 36; Psalm 20