Receiving the giftings with grace rather than placing expectations that lead to disappointment.

 

It is better to trust and take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8 (AMPC)

There are individuals with gifting and anointing who have been a blessing in people’s lives. But they are humans who have to walk out their own salvation and are not always perfect in their walk. Or some ministries have grown so much that they have so many different individuals working with them who haven’t fully developed their characters and are very carnal.  

We also need to keep in mind that giftings are without repentance, according to Romans 11:29: “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.” [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.] (AMPC).  So man can be operating in their gifting and walk carnally, but God will deal with them.  We just need to keep our hearts right. 

The Lord is gracious, giving a grace period for correction. If change doesn’t occur, the ministry may be cut short. 

It’s easy to look at an individual who operates powerfully in their gifting, and when we see something in their life that doesn’t line up with God’s Word, it can be devastating. That’s why it’s so important that we never put them on a pedestal in our hearts, but keep Jesus as the center focus and on the throne of our hearts. He will never disappoint us.  

I know it can be easy to put people on a pedestal; I have struggled with it, even after growing up as a pastor’s kid and knowing the dangers. There is something in us that wants to go by our senses; we see something spectacular, and there is a natural desire in some of us to look up to those who are seen and known. When we see a defect in their character, we can feel hurt and devastated, leading us to respond by tearing them down through gossip, slander, or dismissal. 

In reality, they are not different from us. They are simply in the limelight and bear greater responsibilities. Like them, we face daily choices between following the flesh and following the Holy Spirit. 

If you have experienced devastation because you put a minister on a pedestal, take intentional steps: run to the Lord, repent for placing someone above Him, ask Him to heal your heart, choose to forgive that person, and release them into the Lord’s hands. Make a conscious decision to keep Jesus at the center of your trust and continue growing in your relationship with Him. 

We can appreciate the anointing and giftings flowing through man and allow the Lord to minister to us as He uses man to minister to others, but we must keep the Lord on the throne of our hearts. And when we see some fall due to their carnal nature, we forgive and pray for them. 

Stay focused on Jesus, trusting only Him. See what you receive from people as a bonus, and walk out your own salvation. 

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Keep pursuing His heart in the quiet places. Keep living the story He lovingly penned. Keep running your race — steady, surrendered, and strong.

 

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