“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk – not as unwise people but as wise – making the most of the time because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). When one listens to some of the messages coming out of most pulpits, one wonders if the Ministers are aware that the Jesus Christ they are talking about is indeed coming back as King, Conqueror and Judge. The messages have a way of lulling the unsuspecting dreamers to believe that they can do anything without consequence and equally have the best the world system has to offer. Seriously, when last was your attention drawn to where you will spend eternity? When last did you hear a sermon that encourages you to live your life on a daily basis with eternity in view? On a daily basis sin is being looked at as an inconsequential thing, and the repercussions of sin as a figment of an extremist’s imagination. These may sound incredulous. But friend, when last did you sit down on your own like the Berean Christian and truly study God’s Word? These days so many believe that once the message does not confirm or align with their well laid out plans, such message is wrong and is not from God. Ministers of God are maligned on a daily basis in the social domain. True, some are actually preaching from their flesh, but how can one discern when the person doing the discerning does not have the Spirit of Discernment which is the Holy Spirit? The end result is to call good bad and vice versa.
So many teachings and songs encourage us to believe God for breakthroughs: financial, emotional, relationships, health and so many other areas; what about breakthroughs in our service to God; to know Him more, a hunger to do and speak what is right, not just singing them but being taught about them and walking in them? It is not enough to sing and pray for total victories that excludes eternity. Victory over the enemy and other limitations is good, but is that all? When all is said and done, what then? Beloved, have you ever sat down to wonder why you were spared to see this day, spared from that calamity, strangulating relationship, betrayal, terrible decision and death? All these victories were not only done in your life for God to showcase His might, mercy, power and love through you. Without Him doing all these things in your life, He still remains the All Powerful and Ancient One.
Beloved, please note that the sole purpose of God saving and delivering you is that you will repent and live a life that brings praise to Him, so that when he comes to take you, you will stand before Him perfect! In fact, that is the reason Ministers are mandated to preach the TRUTH to the people: “Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One)” (Colossians 1:28, AMP). Unfortunately, so many (Congregants and Ministers alike) have become lovers of themselves such that they believe that their sole purpose of living is to be successful in and of themselves! This erroneous way of thinking is not new and it carries dire consequences: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes long ago! But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you” (Matthew 11:21-22). Beloved, it is time to take heed to thyself! Watch your life and your doctrine closely so that you will not gain the whole world at the expense of your soul. God bless you.
