Indeed, there has probably been no greater time, in which God, Jesus Christ, and The Church as a whole entity have come under extreme attacks in diverse forms; than in the present days in which we live...
From recurring news of terror attacks, to intermittent episodes of scandals in diverse forms befallen preachers of the Gospel (popularly called 'Men of God'), then to all manner of divergent views and beliefs on the reality and existence of God or the authenticity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and even the Bible itself as the Holy Book identified with Christians...
However, the fact remains that there is really nothing new under the sun, and every happening around us is only but a repeat of such that had previously existed, even though in a more embellished form due to the increase in knowledge and the advancements in science, and technology...
In this piece, I would rather be targeting my thoughts towards the Believers primarily, especially with regards to the matter of the scandals and atrocities which is often spoken of about supposed 'men of God'... So as to possibly know how best to approach their Faith-life, while keeping their hope and love-walk intact, irrespective of the present-day tribulations and the more perilous days which are certain to come, just as Jesus stated clearly, talking about the end-times:
"...Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold..." Matthew 24:9-12 (NKJV)
Indeed, it is gradually becoming common-place to hear criticisms and castigations against Preachers and men of God due to one scandalous news or another, or due to one act of irresponsibility or some show of shame...
However my point here is not to detail on the acts, but to talk about what the attitude of a true Believer should be at such occurrences...
However my point here is not to detail on the acts, but to talk about what the attitude of a true Believer should be at such occurrences...
Because unfortunately, we tend to find that when such news comes up, those who tend to attack the 'man of God' the most would actually be 'Christians'; with many actually believing that they are doing God's work by 'exposing' the works of the Devil... And it becomes even more disturbing when you can ascertain that many of those who would participate in such 'protests' or 'movements' would hardly participate in a movement to proclaim the Gospel nor would they share their Faith with others, nor contribute financially or otherwise to the promotion of the true Gospel... Thereby putting the authenticity of their dedication to the cause of the Gospel in doubt (to me)...
I am definitely not speaking in defense nor standing with any 'pastor' or denomination... But rather I am standing for "The Church" as the corporate Body of Christ; especially in defense of her Head, Jesus, the Christ, whom I believe every True Believer loves...
So the question is:
What should be the reaction or action of the Believer at such times or on hearing such news?
Maybe taking a bearing from Jesus' own ministry work on Earth would help...
We recall that Jesus had 12 Disciples whom He selected by Himself... But one (Judas) was amongst them for some unholy reasons... And guess what!... Even Jesus who was fully aware of Judas' heart allowed him to stay on in the Team; And Jesus even sent him along with others when He sent the Disciples out to do God's work, as below Scripture says:
"...Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick... So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere." Luke 9:1-2,6 (NKJV)
Notice that it stated 'the 12'; Indicating that Judas was likely among the Team, and I guess many followed him just as they followed Jesus and he probably may have even performed some miracles too and came back with great testimonies like the rest...
But the other question is:
What do you think would have been the reaction of those who probably followed Judas briefly, on hearing later of all his 'evil' acts?
My guess would be that they would probably look for some other Disciple to follow, or better still follow Jesus Himself whom though they may not have known personally, but at least they believe in Him to have believed in someone that claimed to be sent by Him...
It was not also recorded that the remaining Disciples spent all their time discussing and sharing about 'The Fall of Judas', but rather they focused on "The Call of the Master", and doing His Great Commission regardless... And at the right time, God revealed to them the replacement for Judas...
From the above analogy, we can then tell what is expected of the True Believer on such similar uproar about the scandals or evil deeds of a 'man of God'... So rather than participating in propagating the news of the 'great fall', it would sure pay Heaven and the Believer better if such energy is channelled towards propagating the true Gospel, acknowledging the fact that the spread of evil can only be overcome by spreading good...
And as the great Apostle Paul said:
"Pattern yourselves after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah)." 1Corinthians 11:1 (AMP)
In other words, Paul, even in all His greatness and knowledge of Christ, instructed that his followers only follow Him as long as he is following the ways of Jesus Christ... Consequently indicating that the day any follower can confirm that he is no longer following Christ, they are fully permitted to stop following him also...
And so I say, that the true believers' primary goal is to keep following Jesus all the same; not focusing all their energy on 'exposing' those who are not following... Because as with Judas, Jesus did not need anyone's help to expose his bad deeds, neither does God need anyone's help to expose 'false preachers', who are at work now and more who will yet arise even as the end draws nearer...
"...Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]..." Hebrews 12:2 (AMP)
And as much as the necessity of always remembering ministers of the Gospel in our prayers cannot be overemphasized knowing that they are often the Enemy's priority targets; However, the only way of safety is to cultivate a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit, as that is the only escape-route from falling for the deceptions of this end-times...
And in all our actions, what should matter most should be we asking ourselves:
Is what I am doing now helping me or my neighbour draw closer to God and grow further in their knowledge and relationship with Him? OR
Are my actions rather helping to even discourage those who yet trying to find their feet in their spiritual life, thereby impeding the overall progress of the Gospel of the Kingdom?
And in all our actions, what should matter most should be we asking ourselves:
Is what I am doing now helping me or my neighbour draw closer to God and grow further in their knowledge and relationship with Him? OR
Are my actions rather helping to even discourage those who yet trying to find their feet in their spiritual life, thereby impeding the overall progress of the Gospel of the Kingdom?
Thank you for sharing with me!
#JesusChristIsLORD
#GODisStillinCharge
