DEAR LEADER, THESE TWO THINGS MUST NOT MIX IN YOUR SOUL…

In the early days of serving in full-time ministry (and even just before then), I thought ministry was about holding the microphone and preaching. It was really exciting getting invitations and, if possible, gracing billboards. 

Truth be told, somewhere within me, I followed fathers in the faith and networked with some others so that when my gift is seen, I can be given platforms to preach, thereby enhancing my visibility. I felt I could also preach well. It was about platforms and what I could get, never about private shaping and who I could be. 

Before arrows are shot, they must be shaped, straightened, sharpened, and must wait in the quiver till the warrior pulls it out and shoots it to the intended target. There are hustling arrows- fighting for visibility. Some arrows have lost sensitivity. It has fallen into competitive jealousy and is laden with envy and offence. 

Bitterness in the heart of a gifted man will fulfill two dangerous ministries: First, It will cause trouble. Second, it will defile many. 

There are preachers of bile today doing great work of causing trouble in the body of Christ rather than uniting the body, and their words unfortunately spread, defiling many. 

If you do not deal early with the seed of bitterness in any situation (marriage, career, ministry), it will take root and wreak havoc. 

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Hebrews 12:14-15 NKJV

Bitter people have company with other bitter people and some ignorant ones who cannot see through the bile. 

Your cry must always be about “make me” first and never about “give me.” Be willing to sit and learn. 

Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

Luke 2:46 NKJV

Jesus was not teaching the teachers. He was listening and asking questions. Premature exposure is not a blessing. Be calm. 

 He was not just sitting to learn from teachers; he was also honourable towards his parents: 

Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.

Luke 2:51 NKJV

Rebuke that spirit telling you that you can do better if you were the one preaching or that mind that analyzes the teaching in every service. You now have a mental note of “50 Ways Pastor Could Have Preached Better”. It is “make me” before “give me.” 

Do not let pride and bitterness mix in your soul. They are fatal. Rise like that lost son and cry, “Make me…” Even if I do not have visibility, just make me. Even if I do not get to be announced, just make me. 

Today, when my Spiritual Father gives me an assignment as simple as leading prayer in a small group, I tremble with reverence. I check notes to see how he has done it in the past. If it is to take offering, I watch previous videos of those who have done it. I check the pattern and pray, ‘Lord, help me.’ 

Lord, Help Me! 

© temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa