THE CHURCH IN A CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY (17)

Built to Last

In Damascus, there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!”  

“Here I am, Lord,” he answered. 

[11] “Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 

[12] In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 

[13] But Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 

[14] And now he is here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.” 

[15] “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. 

[16] I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.” (Acts 9:10-16)

The wisdom of God was shown when He sent Ananias to minister to Saul after the latter had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul intended to apprehend the disciples of Jesus in the land, but the encounter changed the course of his life. The hunter became the prey.

Why did God choose Ananias out of all the other disciples in the land? Why did God not send Paul to Jerusalem to be blessed by the General Assembly of the Believers? God decided it must be one who had experienced and encountered Him and had sustained the experience for a very long time. God was not just looking for a mere believer, especially not a recent convert. He was keen on a mature believer who had been consistent in their journey of faith over time.

When a man who has just been saved wakes up and has so many things to speak about, write, and correct in the church of God—especially when it involves castigating the church fathers, elders, and brethren in the faith—tell him that he must tread carefully. He is so zealous to correct doctrines and principles that have upheld the church for years but that he believes are erroneous, irrelevant, and sacrilegious. Tell him to handle his zeal with wisdom. He has many years to wait and mature in the faith. Warn him, please, that he has a tendency to fall into the snare of the enemy. Apostle Paul admonished anyone who wanted to be a leader to take this charge: "He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil. Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil." (1 Timothy 3:6-7). The tendency to fall under the same condemnation as the devil should be sobering. Aren't you scare of disgrace abd snare of the devil? 

Tell the new convert who carries so much zeal and has a lot to say about the church and the people of God to be quick to learn and slow to speak. Speak to him about the importance of patiently building his faith-life and maintaining a good testimony within his community. Tell him to leave the elders alone and first focus on his own life and integrity.

Half of the people I know who are zealous about correcting the church of God have fallen into grievous errors. Many of those who were dissatisfied with their leaders and started their own ministries now appear recklessly dangerous to the body of Christ (I know quite a few of these disgruntled folks). Many of them have invited me to preach in their "Rebellious Cathedral," but I politely decline because I know their antecedents.

Brother *Correcting Fluid*, be patient to sustain this faith and remain on this journey for at least ten years. Then we will know whether you have a word for us or not. Sister *I Know It All*, please, let’s watch you for just five years and see if you don’t elope with an unbelieving brother.

Have you heard from the Lord? Let me tell you what He said: “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.’” (Isaiah 30:15).

Help me inform our revered Bible Scholar, The Rabbi, and Bible Concordance that no one becomes a school head teacher, principal, chief medical director, or matron simply by graduating from a university. They need to serve patiently for years and be faithful to be adjudged as fit to lead. Don’t let your seminary certificate deceive you. You had better not be carried away by the grand titles conferred on you to set you ablaze. Wait patiently and faithfully develop your inner man.

The final word: “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel.” (Luke 1:80). Wait in the making room until you are able to grow indeed. Stay there until you become strong enough to handle women, money, and food. Become strong against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. And wait until God makes all things beautiful for you, for things are made beautiful in their time.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you—the pleasure of ignoble sins can destroy you and your entire ministry within three to five months of entering public ministry. If you’re too confident to think you won’t fall, ask Brother Demas.

God bless you, friend.

Peter Abdul-Razaq, OLAYINKA, a serving missionary with Living Grace Christian Missions, Ilara.  

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