False Authority
From the very beginning of the faith, people have sought positions of authority within the Body of Christ for unworthy reasons, such as the desire for influence, power, and money. Additionally, some leaders have been influenced by the need to please their congregations. I strongly believe that, no matter how faithful, humble, or sincere a person may be, there is a real enemy who seeks to distort, twist, pervert, and dilute the true message of the Word of God.
The key question, then, is about the condition of the inner self, which can be challenging to discern. A teacher or preacher serves as a filter through which God’s teachings are conveyed. If they have pure motivations, the truth remains intact, fostering growth within the Body of Christ. However, if the inner self becomes corrupted, the truth will be distorted, twisted, perverted, or diluted, ultimately leading to a weakened community.
The goal of all sincere believers is to reflect the character of Christ through our inner selves, demonstrating more of God’s goodness and less of humanity’s flawed nature. This enables the truth of the Written Word and the nature of the Father to remain vibrant and continue strengthening the Body of Christ.
We recognize that, in comparison to Jesus, we all fall short. From God’s perspective, we are simply His children. God has established various callings and roles, giving each of us different gifts to fulfill His purpose, so that the body of Christ may be strengthened and grow. Since God bestows these gifts and assigns roles, and since we are called to reflect the character of Jesus Christ, shouldn’t we walk humbly toward one another? We should show each other respect and brotherly love in honor of God and His purpose.
If someone in the Body of Christ is fortunate enough to receive an education, it’s important to recognize that this opportunity is not just the result of their own efforts; it is a gift from God. Similarly, if a person possesses the gift of healing, that ability also comes from God. The main point is that if they are truly part of the Body of Christ, they must understand that God does not show favoritism. Remember, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, and it was through Him that the world was created.
If we see a brother or sister who has strayed from this fundamental truth, let us, who understand it, work to restore them with humility. We should pray for God to strengthen us so that we do not act out of our own fleshly impulses.
