2 Corinthians 13:7-10 (NKJV): Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. 10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.
This is a follow up from my other post on the lack of edification in the Body of Christ. https://fggam.org/2018/03/neglect-of-the-call-of-edification/ Although we are called to edify each other, there is a point when people “overstep”. What I mean is this, people think it is ok to tell a ministry leader they’re wrong if they are not persuaded in their train of thought. Sometimes it is especially when they are discipling someone.
It’s hard for one who disciples others to understand that when they pour themselves into others, especially without any expectations of return, that the one being discipled feels they can run over or rebuke them because the mentor is not persuaded in their train of thought. It could be that this person want to be in a position of authority of sorts, but, they are told they need to wait a period of time. This person claims they understand why there is caution and will agree when Scripture is used to show why it’s wise to not rush that to happen. But, then they say they’re being treated like a new Christian.
We may start to think “Why people feel they can tell you ‘The error of your ways’, but yet have not taken time to know who you are and why you take the approach you do?” They could say something like, “You have no experience of this particular area.” It could be that you choose not to make your testimony the forefront instead of making Jesus the One who is front and center in your life. Remember this though, even Jesus and the Disciples dealt with similar things. People question you when you are following the call you have been given. Stick to shining for Jesus. He is The One we are living for anyway.
If you are one who questions authority, it may be time for you to repent. Do you feel that you are being called to a particular ministry? Then you should talk to your Pastor/Ministry Leader or to the Leader of that ministry and follow their lead in preparing for your calling. Even if you feel you have experience in this area. We need to remember that even if we are going to start a ministry, we should be subject to an Authority over us so that we can be held accountable.
Romans 13:1-7 (NKJV): Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
Having someone overseeing you is not to keep you from your calling but instead to help build you up. They should be someone who has the experience in ministry that can disciple you in your times when you seem to be stuck. They should be someone who can pray with you in the times you are discouraged. In other words, if you are asking to be placed in a position of authority, and you are being told to wait a period of time, understand that it is not to stop you from excelling but to help you to grow and prepare for your calling.
1 Timothy 5:17-25 (NKJV): Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. 21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure. 23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. 24 Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
It starts with Our Relationship with Jesus. If you don’t have a Relationship with Him or you need to rekindle that Relationship, do it now. Call out to Him and seek his Love and Forgiveness. It really is as hard or easy as you make it.
We should look to Him daily to seek a relationship with Him. I want to encourage you to seek Him today, if you haven’t already. If you need help, have questions or need direction in this regard, please, feel free to let me know.
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Any scripture referenced here is taken from New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise noted
