In the journey of faith, the significance of Christlikeness and character should never be overshadowed by the allure of spiritual gifts. For those who may question this truth, it’s important to heed the lessons of history, where even Judas, a disciple of Jesus, faltered in his faith and betrayed the Lord. As our Savior warned, on the day of judgment, there will be those who hear the solemn declaration, “Depart from me, you who work iniquity.”

Undoubtedly, spiritual gifts such as prophecy, miracles, knowledge, wisdom, diverse tongues, and faith are invaluable tools bestowed upon believers to propagate the gospel and uplift fellow believers. However, the quandary arises when these divine endowments are misused or elevated to a status of idolatry, leading to pride rather than humility.

The true essence of faith lies not in the splendor of these gifts, but in nurturing a daily relationship with Christ, aspiring to mirror His character and virtues. It is in the pursuit of becoming more Christlike that we fulfill our calling as believers. When we prioritize Christlikeness over the mere possession of spiritual gifts, we ensure that our faith remains steadfast and that our actions align with the teachings of our Lord. In this way, we embody the heart of Christianity and fulfill the greatest commandments to love God and love our neighbors.

Let us remember that spiritual gifts, though essential, are instruments for service, while Christlikeness is the foundation of our walk with God. By treasuring and nurturing our relationship with Christ, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and idolatry and truly exemplify the love and grace that He embodies.