Light and shadow in the use of the gifts

SUMMARY: Every gift and strength we possess can also have a negative aspect to it. For example, an evangelistic gift can lead to promising more than we can deliver or having a flat spirituality. A pastor's stable character can sometimes lead to lack of vision and creativity. A great preacher can become too dependent on their oratory and forget to cultivate the filling of the Holy Spirit. We must be aware of these shadow sides and guard against them with vigilance and honesty.

An interesting aspect of the human personality is that, many times, our strengths can also constitute our weaknesses. Every believer, leader or not, must be aware of this curious law of human nature. Every gift has a bright side, but it also has a dark aspect.

The person with an evangelistic gift, for example — brimming with enthusiasm, charisma, adrenaline, and creative ideas — has to guard against the dark side of his giftedness. That same energy that allows you to organize evangelistic campaigns, speak sympathetically and confidently to individuals or crowds, and undertake one exhausting journey after another, can lead you to promise more than you can deliver, to develop a flat and superficial spirituality, or to sustain lacking interpersonal relationships. deep.