“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4

Today’s topic builds on what we discussed yesterday but takes an important perspective on the use of our gifts and positions, especially in the house of God.

It is no secret that God has blessed each of us with unique gifts to serve and complement the body of Christ. For some, it is the gift of healing; for others, prophecy, the working of miracles, or even the gift of dreams and visions.

Whatever the gift the Lord has entrusted to you, it is crucial to remember that these are given for the benefit of the body of Christ—not for self-glorification. We must be cautious in how we carry ourselves with these gifts, always mindful of their purpose and the source of their power.

Lucifer serves as a prime example. He was a gifted angel, especially in music, but he allowed pride to take root because of his gift. That pride ultimately led to his downfall.

We must remember that we are first and foremost human, with a flesh that is weak and prone to temptation. Our greatest enemy is often within us, and it is essential to remain vigilant, fighting against the flesh at all times to prevent its fall.

When God’s gifts begin to manifest in our lives, it is not unusual for people to notice, praise, and celebrate us. While this recognition may feel good, let us never forget to give the glory to the One who bestowed these gifts.

The gifts are His, and so is the glory. The moment we begin to seek the attention or take the credit for ourselves, pride has an open door. Pride is subtle yet destructive, and as scripture reminds us, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

Let us therefore guard our hearts, ensuring that we are not puffed up by the gifts God has graciously given us. Instead, let us use these gifts with humility, giving all honor and glory to Him who deserves it.Prayer: Lord help me remain humble, even when men seem to praise me.