How we view our Christian leaders says a
lot about who we are, and just as importantly, who we'll develop
into as a person of faith in CHRIST. Those in authentic
spiritual authority in the Church have been charged with the
most awesome responsibility, namely the evangelizing of the
lost, and equipping those of us who are saved into useful tools in HIS hands, that
we too might do HIS work.
"And HE gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting
of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of
the body of CHRIST" Look if you will, for
nowhere in all the world, is so great a task placed on such an
unlikely group of men. These men are the sacred soldiers
who make up the royal guard of HIS kingdom, and must be regarded
as such. Think about it, the charge is: that every living
man, woman, and child hear the gospel, and that each who
subsequently receives it, and is born again, then be brought to
perfection in their Christian lives.
"For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have
espoused you to one HUSBAND, that I may present you as a chaste
virgin to CHRIST."
Is it any wonder that those
genuinely about this labor of love for the SAVIOR, will turn
down finance in lieu of prayer, if circumstances dictate a
choice.
"Till we all come in the
unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the SON OF GOD, unto
a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of
CHRIST" The goal
of the real man of GOD is not to indoctrinate us, or fashion us
religious; but to pore over HIS Blueprint of what makes up a
living sacrifice, and then exhort us to conform.
"... HE also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of
his SON" That is a
tall order by any definition!
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken
unto you the word of GOD: whose faith follow, considering the
end of their conversation."
But how do I tell the true from the false
... how do I know who to follow, and who to shun? We find
JESUS leaving clear instruction, regarding this very important
matter, in the closing comments to HIS Sermon on the Mount.
"Beware of false prophets,
which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are
ravening wolves ... A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,
neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit ... Wherefore
by their fruits ye shall know them."
When it comes to submitting to ecclesiastical rule, the rule is
... that is that the obvious is the reality. Look and listen,
says the LORD; the fruit of one's life will soon betray its
root ... is the moral taught here.
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves:
for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account,
that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is
unprofitable for you."
And when the real deal is at rule, make that ruler as joyous as
you possibly can. Remember, they are out to:
"Make you perfect in every good work to do HIS will, working in
you that which is wellpleasing in HIS sight ..."