Character or Ability: What Matters Most to God?

 

We live in a world that constantly measures people by their abilities — talents, achievements, and outward success. But as I reflected recently, a question stirred in my heart:

"Which matters more to God: Character or Ability?"

As I turned to Scripture, I found a clear and profound answer.

1. How God Introduces Himself: A Lesson in Priorities

When God introduced Himself to Moses in Exodus 34:6-7, He did not speak of His power to create the universe or perform mighty miracles. Instead, He revealed His character:

“The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty…” (Exodus 34:6-7, KJV)

Notice that God placed who He is above what He can do. Although God is all-powerful, His identity is rooted in love, mercy, and justice.

2. God Is Love — Not Just Power

The apostle John captured God’s nature simply and powerfully:

"God is love." (1 John 4:8, KJV)

God is not defined by power, though He is omnipotent. His power serves His love. This shows us that character is at the core of God's identity — and that should shape our priorities too.

3. Jesus’ Test: By Their Fruit, Not Their Gifts

Jesus taught us how to recognize true followers:

"By their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:16, KJV)

He didn't say we would know them by their abilities, talents, or spiritual gifts, but by their character — their fruit.

Even powerful spiritual gifts are meaningless without character. The apostle Paul warned:

"Though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2, KJV)

Imagine having faith to move mountains, but being nothing in God's eyes because of lacking love.

4. Our Identity: Human Beings, Not Human Doings

This truth reminds us that our worth is not in what we do, but in who we are. We are human beings, not human doings.

The world may celebrate gifts, talents, and achievements, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

5. The Fruit of the Spirit: The Mark of God’s Children

What is the true evidence that someone belongs to God? Paul gives us the answer in Galatians 5:22-23:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (KJV)

Notice: Power, miracles, or impressive abilities are not on this list. Character — reflecting God's heart — is what counts.

6. Why Power Without Character Is Dangerous

Even the devil has power but uses it to destroy. Power without godly character becomes dangerous and destructive.

But God, in contrast, always uses His power in line with His love and justice. That’s why character is what makes power safe and good.

7. God Identifies His Children by Character

  • God identifies Himself by His character.
  • He identifies His children by their character.
  • We should identify ourselves by character.

Our abilities may open doors, but it is our character that keeps us in God's favor.

Conclusion: What Does God Really Want?

God values character over ability. Abilities may impress people, but character pleases God.

If we desire to reflect God, we must pursue His heart before His hand — His nature before His works.

"In a world obsessed with ability, may we be a people obsessed with Christlike character — because that’s what truly matters to God."

Reflection Questions:

  1. In what ways have I prioritized ability over character in my life?
  2. What fruits of the Spirit do I need to grow in to reflect God's character?
  3. How can I choose to be a person of integrity and love in my daily walk with God?

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