Key Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control; against such things there is no law."

In leadership both character and competence matter. Which one matters more? Which one matters more to you? No one will deny we all want the job done and the mission accomplished. But should the desire for competency eclipse the desire for character?

Everyone loves a leader with charisma and competency. We long to be led by an accomplished, high-level leader. Success is thrilling. Yet, God unquestionably values character over competency. 1 Samuel 16:7 reads, But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Godliness is a matter of character, not accomplishment. While people can surely grow and mature in their character, teaching skills and competence is much easier. A lack of character requires transformation, not just new information (Geiger).

What’s the pitfall in competency and character? We mistake the operation of gifts in our lives for the operation of grace all too often. Inother words, we can execute our giftings so brilliantly, all the while being void of a growing and thriving relationship with the Lord. Outwardly you can be an effective leader while inwardly having nothing there. The inner life is the area of spiritual fruit, the outer life is the area of spiritual gifts (Keller).

Jesus is our model of character, competence, and leadership. Men and women of character will lead like Jesus and put their confidence in God. Colossians 1:10, So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.