“Men of God” or “gods of men”

The year 2012 is gradually drawing to a close and almost everyone will soon be evaluating it and making comparisons to the past year and trying hard to put down plans for the coming year. As we evaluate the past and project into the future we must not lose sight of the fact that we are the creation of the Almighty and as such our main purpose on earth is to worship our creator. For this purpose He has anointed and ordained some people to be his intermediaries here on earth.

I believe the year 2011 had too many stories concerning the people the Almighty had called and endued them with love, power and sound mind to help tend his flock. But, what I found disturbing was the nature of the stories the filled the newspapers, the airwaves, the screens and the internet about the “MEN OF GOD”, they were not stories befitting people with such title and honor.

I have come to believe that whenever God gives an assignment and you begin to enjoy the benefits never let it get too much into your head. When people are shouting your name with all the accolades, and saluting you in public and lying prostrate before you, if you are not careful you would lose touch with the spirit of God that leads and have little regard for the God that called and anointed you for service. You begin to lead people who mention your name more than that of God in a day; they believe more what you say than what the Bible says. You lead them away from God and gradually they are led away from God.

One can do an auto analysis of his relationship with the one who called him to lead his people, to know whether he is on course or has veered off course. There are some indicators that can help one know whether he is on course or off course.  Ask yourself the following questions;

§ 

•     Do my members desire God more or always desiring to listen to me preach.

• §    What is my attitude towards my praise singers; are they just being sycophantic or real.

• §    Do I still hear from God or preach my feelings and emotions and my thoughts.

• Do I personally desire the word more, pray more, and wait on God for direction.

•  Do I listen to other men of God preach and teach or I feel I am the best in town.

•  Am I humble and obedient to God or myself?

• Does material worth mean more to me than the growth and maturity of my ministry and members

• How do I treat those who help my ministry, my wife , my family and other close relations

The questions can go on and on and on, but I would like you to ask yourself the final and most important question: “should I drop dead today would I still be for God”.

I believe it would not be bad at all if the title “Thou good and faithful servant” is added to your name. May we not try or even think of taking the place of God in the life of his people. 

Let us carry only the message of God to his people and in so doing, we will be helping advance the kingdom of God.

John Benjamin Eshun © 2012.