1 Corinthians 19:27 CSB "Instead, I
discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching
to others, I myself will not be disqualified."
It is actually possible to be irrelevant and yet survive in the ministry as pastors, elders, worship leaders, missionaries, mission heads, CEO's of Christian Ministries, tele-evangelists and so on. The cravings for power, status, fame, money, luxury, and the need for survival have distorted the view of many from the true mission and purpose. Sadly, they continue to live satisfied, celebrating their accomplishments. Many are living a life of deception because their Church institution and organization are surviving. Even for the fallen leader you will find a faithful mob still approving, applauding, and following them ardently. These renowned Christian leaders have learnt to gauge their approval because of their gifting and accomplishments.
So often people forget that we are not measured by our giftings and accomplishments but by our faithfulness to God. Gifting and accomplishment are from the Lord, but faithfulness is our response to Him. Apostle Paul states in Romans 11:29 "since God’s gracious gifts and calling are irrevocable.". As the gifts are not snatched away from us abruptly, people have taken things for granted merchandising their gifts and calling. Anything is converted to a business plan and a strategy today including Christ Mission.
The deception and money laundering in many Christian organisations and Churches are rampant and heart wrenching. Their consciences are seared and calloused. People in the forefront have become a stumbling block for the non-Christians. They are living devoid of conscience, with no fear of God. God is mocked because of His tolerance. In Psalms 50, Asaph is considered to have written this chapter, and it is so powerful. Let me quote few verses, "But God says to the wicked: “What right do you have to recite my statutes and to take my covenant on your lips? You hate instruction and fling my words behind you. When you see a thief, you make friends with him, and you associate with adulterers.". Psalms 50:16-18 CSB. Sadly, many have taken God for granted. Verse 22 is powerful "You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you.". You will often get to see Christian leaders deriding God to their level of foolishness. Psalms 50 does not end there but concludes with the judgement. Verse 22-23 "... But I will rebuke you and lay out the case before you. “Understand this, you who forget God, or I will tear you apart, and there will be no one to rescue you.".
With this context in mind let us carefully ponder the highlighted key verse in the blog "Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”. There is a marvelous possibility of influencing others, yet at the same time a terrible fact of being disqualified and left behind. We are not accepted on the basis for what we do for God if our intent is wrong and selfish. We are all aware of our motives and God knows that too because He weighs our intentions and the motives of our heart (Proverbs 16:2; 17:3).
Another false ideology that is existing today is that He cannot perform without us. People believe that He needs them for His mission to survive in this earth. That is an absolute deception and lies. You can be substituted anytime the moment you become irrelevant. You may have your mission, organisation and Church going on with people gathering week after week but that is immaterial in God's eyes. Remember Saul! The moment he started becoming irrelevant, the substitution plan began consequently. Saul was substituted by David. But yes, I need to say this, probably the complete annihilation of one’s existence can take time on a case-by-case basis. Many are surviving like a switched off fan, still rotating for some time.
God does not need you at all in true sense. I quite often quote this from C S Lewis, "God does not need you, the reason He has chosen to need you is because you need to be needed.”. As we read the story of Kings from the Bible, we are reminded that the moment the kings became irrelevant they were replaced. I wish and pray leaders understand that all the worldly prizes are just a trash and garbage. We should be ready to leave it behind at any point of time. I wish the statement of Apostle Paul in Acts 20:24 is true in each one of us, "But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God's grace.". If you wish to truly make an impact through what you do then be faithful, selfless, and ready to pour yourself as a drink offering as Apostle Paul stated (Philippians 2:17).
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