Godliness over giftedness

“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” Ezra 7:10

God did an extraordinary thing in Ezra’s day when the children of Israel were in Babylonian captivity. He put it into the heart of the Babylonian King to beautify the house of the Lord and reestablish worship in the temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 7:27-28). 

And there was a man named Ezra that the King knew had the understanding, character and wisdom to go to Jerusalem and see to it that the work of the Lord was done. Ezra, who was a scribe, not only had the giftedness; he also had the godliness. 

There are many today who want to lead ministries, churches or are already doing so, that are gifted speakers, they understand bible doctrine, they’re great administrators, but what they lack is godliness/character. Giftedness will get you so far. It may even get you pretty far, especially now a days where there is far too often a lack of godliness not only in the pulpit, but also in the pews. A gifted speaker and a talented worship team can draw a crowd, however in a matter of time the lack of character, integrity and godliness will show up and the whole thing will blow up. I’ve seen it too many times and the aftermath is devastating, especially to young believers. 

There are 3 things that stand out about Ezra that should stand out in every Christian leader. In Ezra 7:10 we read, that Ezra set his heart to study the law of the Lord—the word of God. In other words he made time for the word of God and was devoted to knowing it, and understanding it. Ezra was a man of the word.  In Ezra 7:10 we read, “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it...” He was a man of the word not only because he knew the word, but because he lived it. Ezra was more than a learner of the word, he was a doer of the word. Furthermore Ezra had a heart to teach others the word of God in word and deed. Great leaders do more than just point to the way; they lead the way. It’s hard to lead others where you’ve not been. 

May churches today learn to choose godliness over giftedness. It will keep us from a lot of heartache and most of all bring glory to God before a watching Babylonian world.