I’m not only concerned about those well-known, but the countless “unknown, unsung” ministers who have given their lives in pouring out and into God’s people and receive no recognition! ! I’ve known good men who have passed away broken-hearted in tragedy or at the end of their lives and ministry without honor, dazed, and not too many who care! Men younger than me who have either made “ship-wreck” or in brokenness given up after making mistakes, have forfeited their right in fulfilling their destiny in Christ here in this present age!!
We have no choice now but to shift from “organizational churchianity” to an “apostolic farmily” (family-army). Honor and humility go hand-in-hand and the superstar mentality in the body of Christ Is killing the heart and soul of the church. I remember being driven in ministry for years to go and do meetings, living from week to week, dreaming of seeing a great move of God, yet mainly dying of despair and living in desperation!! What a joy and blessing it has been to be out of the “main-stream” of pentecostalism/charismatic fuss over gifts and anointing and rest in the reality that I belong to Christ, I am who He says I am, and that I please Him for being who I am, not what I do!!!
I beseech you, leader and saint alike, I implore you to find real, relational fellowship and leadership with those “like-minded”, of like precious faith who have the heart of the Father, the love of the brethren, and care more about you than they care of pleasing a system! Recently I’ve had to make more than one decision concerning covenant relationships, was I going to stand fast as a father and love and correct? Or just walk away, leaving unanswered questions, take the “easy-road” of not having to confront or deal with uncomfortable situations. To be accountable is a “two-way” street and those who want you to ‘pick and choose’ friends and not identify with certain ones because of reproach or popularity is to commit “SPIRITUAL SUICIDE!”
Finally, the FAMILY can never become an ARMY until we learn to love, trust, and find our place in the body of Christ with a “kingdom” understanding. I do not belong to myself, neither do I have the right to be “offended” or withdraw from those or what I do not like or understand! You have to make a choice to be offended, or to be self-righteous, and to separate yourself, cutting yourself off from the life-giving spirit that comes from real, true, long-lasting relationships!!
Apostle Paul reminded his son Timothy in 2 Ti. 2:-1-3- You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit (entrust) these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
With love and concern,
Wow!