Monday, March 24, 2014

Ministers Aren't Assigned To Have Their Butts On Their Shoulders

There are these Southern sayings that are supposed to be sopping in Wisdom, trouble is, you have to understand what they mean in order to partake. It took me forever to understand that a stitch in time saves nine....come to find that it actually does! One that I use occasionally: he must not think that fat meat is greasy. Meaning, its obvious to everyone else but him. Another is, that's as wrong as two left shoes. Meaning, something is the matter and can be easily changed. So what could it mean to have one's butt up on their shoulders? It can't be literal, though you would think it might if you've heard some of the things that come out of the mouths of some believers.

What happens to some people when they get a title? I mean, they have been working towards this goal for so long and then when they obtain it, something goes left. What happens? There is no need to waste time on sinners with this question, because the answer would be obvious. I am talking about the faith filled, loyal, charismatic, love the Lord with all your heart, love people with all you have, and desire is to build your treasure in heaven sort of  believer (Matthew 6:20 AMP). He/she hears a message from the Lord and believes the calling that is on their lives is towards this or that. A plan must be in order to make that vision an actual means by which to live. Everyday, this person is acknowledging God and giving Him all of the praise. Everyday, this person is seeking a way to bless someone else's life without ulterior motive because he/she knows that this is pleasing to God. Everyday, accomplishing one more step on his/her plan to obtain that goal. Sounds good, doesn't it? Its what we all should be doing when we know who we are in Christ.

I was interested in some singers that has entertained us over the years. The music was so apart of their lives, they had to find other venues to express the talent that God put on the inside of them. Some how, it just wasn't enough to sing in the church. They had to cross over in the secular lifestyle to satisfy this need. Why didn't they see this as temptation or a test in Christ? Why didn't they remember the singers of the past that have either lost their careers or their lives? One singer, in particular, was having an issue with this dilemma. She believed that because God gave her this gift, then she should be using it for His glory. She pondered over the matter and then finally took it to the pastor's wife. The wife advised the fledgling singer that whatever she wished to do, she and the ministry would support her. The woman decided to sing secular music. When asked why she crossed over, she answered, "I asked the first lady of the church and she said she will support me in whatever I decide." I found the advice strange for a Christian to give to another. Scripture tells us that if we are a friend to God then we are an enemy to the world or if we are friend to the world and an enemy to God (James 4:4 AMP). We cannot have it both ways. We cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24 AMP). So how was this sound advice for the woman seeking counseling (Proverbs 11:14 AMP)? Doesn't anyone think there will be a consequence or do you think its worth those few years (if that) of fame?

I have been taking my time getting this degree in a Christian school. I have looked over the material over and over again and absolutely love writing essays and mid-term research papers, but in Christian school, I wondered where was my motivation? I got through my under-grad but I was doing this to encourage my children so they would continue with their education. They have. Now here is my opportunity to get what I have planned on for so long. I called the dean of academic affairs for a specific question. I introduced myself to her before beginning and she greeted me with, "Oh hello Minister Lenora." Huh? I paused and then stuttered. I had to ask why she called me this. She answered, "Aren't we all ministers in God?" I didn't respond to her question at first because I have to admit, I was a little giddy about her calling me a minister. But then once I got myself together to continue with what I called her for, I realized she was right. We all are whether we have the title or not (2 Corinthians 5:18 AMP). So what happened to the brother or sister in Christ with the title? Do you get all giddy and never come back to where God found you (2 Timothy 4:5 AMP)? What happened to the humility? What happened with being meek? Just, what happened?