LESSONS FROM ELISHA: THE MANTLE IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR CHARACTER

Key Text: “He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan.” 2 Kings 2:13

Elisha received the mantle he had been waiting for, but notice what happened next: he had to use what he received. The mantle did not automatically make him mature, wise or effective. It represented an assignment, but Elisha still had to walk out that assignment with discipline, faith and obedience. There is a difference between receiving something from God and becoming the kind of person who can carry it well.

This is a powerful lesson for us because spiritual gifts can sometimes make us look more developed than we actually are. Someone can preach beautifully and still need character development. Someone can sing powerfully and still need to learn humility. Someone can lead people publicly while struggling privately with discipline. Gift can open a door, but character determines what happens after you enter. God is not only interested in what He can do through you; He is also interested in who you are becoming while He does it.

Elisha did not spend his entire life talking about Elijah’s mantle. He eventually had to step into his own walk with God. There comes a point where you cannot keep saying, “My mentor said…” “My pastor said…” or “This is how they used to do it.” You must know God for yourself. You must develop your own convictions, your own prayer life, your own understanding of Scripture and your own obedience. The goal of mentorship is not to become a copy of your mentor; it is to become everything God designed you to be.

Prayers and Confession
Father, help me to develop the character required to carry everything You have entrusted to me. Let my private life agree with my public confession. Give me grace to grow in humility, discipline, integrity, wisdom and obedience. Amen.

Reflection
What area of your character needs to grow so that you can properly carry what God is placing in your hands?

Further Reading: 2 Kings 2:13 -15; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7-8; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3