
THE TESTS IN THE CALLING 9
A dear father in the faith made a reference to one of my posts while he taught. Someone called me and informed me about it. I went into the natural overdrive- I called those who serve in the media team of the ministry to get the recording. I instructed that they get that particular portion of the teaching and send it to me.
I did the next thing that most in my shoes would do- I began to publish it on Social Media starting with my WhatsApp status. In less than two minutes of being on my status, those who saw it were already dropping chats of “Wow, Pastor Temi, this is amazing”. I was enjoying my day of fame.
Then my Lord spoke, “Pull it down”. I quickly deleted it from my status. I was not too happy about it honestly. We should blow these things. Then my Lord added, “I called you into ministry and not marketing”. I repented immediately.
In the calling, you will have to pass the “Test of Fame”. To be sincere, most of us desire to be famous and popular. There is something sweet about attaining a “celebrity status”. Somewhere inside our heart, we want to “blow”. We want to be like Elijah, we want rise to prominence with one viral message. However, the strange appetite to “show yourself” must die.
Jesus Christ faced that test with his own brothers. Jesus was already doing mighty works however in their own side of town. They wanted Jesus to break into the big league, so they gave him a brotherly counsel:
Hear them:
John 7:2-3 NKJV
Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing.
They told him to “Show Himself” to the world:
John 7:4 NKJV
“For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.”
Never let the appetite for fame lead you. Never let the desire for public recognition lead you. Stop forcing yourself into fame.
What was Jesus’ response?
John 7:6, 8 NKJV
[6] Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready.
[8] You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.”
Do not keep company with those who put strange pressure on you. Discern your season accurately. It is God who lifts men.
Pass your test!
temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa