OF MINISTRY AND PLAYING TO THE GALLERY
Do not conform yourselves to the standard of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God - what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect. (Romans 12:2)
The work of the ministry is not about popularity contest or glory-hunting, it is about doing it the way the LORD wants, and not necessarily to win acceptance from others. Some fulfill their ministry while harbouring concern about decline in their level of acceptance or popularity. Under such condition, one becomes susceptible to compromises. Keep one thing in mind, we will give account of our ministry to the LORD. So be careful how you play to the gallery. By 'play to the gallery', I mean whereas there is more inclination towards impressing fellow human being in the way you fulfill your ministry, there is less inclination towards impressing God in the way your ministry is fulfilled.
Indeed, we will stand before God and give account of our ministry. More often than not, some label this notion as a delusion, hence they dismiss it with wave of hand. It is not as delusive as some think; it is a reality. It is a reality that many don't always keep at the back of their mind. It is a common practice for individuals to entertain compromises that have nothing to do with the LORD and His will or purpose. Such compromises are entertained in attempt to be in the good books of others.
"Woe unto you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets." (Luke 6:26)
Such individuals often forget that being in the LORD's good book should be our number one priority. Balaam the prophet is an example of individuals who compromise God's principles.
"So Balak the son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, sent messengers to Balaam........ saying, "........Come now, curse this people for me, ........ So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and gave him Balak's message....... God said to Balaam, "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed." So Balaam rose in the morning, and said to the princes of Balak, "Go to your own land; for the LORD has refused to let me go with you." So the princes of Moab rose and went to Balak, and said, "Balaam refuses to come with us." Once again Balak sent princes, more in number and more honourable than they. And they came to Balaam and said to him, "Thus says Balak the son of Zippor: 'Let nothing hinder you from coming to me; for I will surely do you great honour, and whatever you say to me I will do; come, curse this people for me.'"............ So Balaam rose in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab." (Numbers 22:4-5,7,12-17,21)
He brought disrepute to the office of a prophet when he lowered himself to the point of acceding to Balak's proposal. Balaam might have earned himself a spot in Balak's good books by agreeing to go and curse God's people,
"But God's anger was kindled because he went; and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as his adversary." (Numbers 22:22)
Please keep in mind that even though the scripture states that
"Woe unto you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26)
Balaam's case is just a case in point; it is not necessarily a stereotype.
To cut a long story short, the reality of the fact that we will stand before God and give account of our ministry should always be overwhelming and highlighted at the back of our mind. Factors such as fame, popularity, acceptance, reward, commendation, admiration, friendship, and what have you are by the way..............
God bless.
Yours
'Kunle O. Majek'
H I A F E M
Of impact, quality and excellence
That's the Spirit!
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