1 John 1:3(NET) What we have seen and heard we announce to you too, so that you may have fellowship with us (and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his son Jesus Christ)
Dami had been scolded by her youth pastor over her impunctuality in church activities. She didn’t take his reprimand well and hence boycotted the next service. Tina, her unit head, met her fuming when she went visiting after service. “Who gave him the right to talk to me in that manner, just because I came late a few times, am I the only one coming late to church?”
“Calm down Dami, I know you feel offended by his rebuke, nobody enjoys rebuke, however, you know it is within his rights to call you to order when you are doing something wrong”
“Why is that? Is he my parent? Even my parents will not rebuke me this way now. Or is he God? My service is to God and not to any man” she fumed.
“Dami, you really need to calm down because you are getting this all wrong”
Have you ever felt like Dami? Do you perceive spiritual oversight as men’s interference in your relationship with and service to God? Well, here is the thing.
Indeed, every believer has God as his Father and the Lord Jesus as his Master. However, the way God’s Kingdom is set up, a man’s stance, posture of heart, and relationship with God can be gauged by his stance, posture of heart, and relationship with men. Yes, that was no mistake.
The wise believer must learn that God works with men and through men to exercise His authority, exert His dominion, and exemplify His character here on earth. So that those who come under His authority must needs come under the authority of (certain) men, and the proof of their submission to the authority of (these) men becomes proof that they are indeed under the authority of God (See Hebrews 13:17).
Likewise, the life of the believer who truly has a relationship with God is meant to serve as a mirror where men (neighbors, co-workers, friends, and indeed enemies), though observing the man, actually see and experience the character and power of God at work. We are designed to be breathing, living, walking visual aids to understanding the character of God so much so that this becomes evidence that we indeed know Him (See 1 John 4:20).
Dear Christian, when you come into the family of God, you will find that not only have you to deal with the hosts of heaven, you will also have to deal with the ‘hosts of earth’, that is the church. They will nourish you, and watch over your soul.
Go into today, knowing that as you walk with the Lord, you will do so among men. Determine to make full proof of your devotion and submission to God.
—Ikechukwu Mpama
Bible in 1 Year: Numbers 13-16 (In Devotional Audio)
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