Thoughts for another day

Feb. 8, 2013.

Today's verse: 1 Thess. 2:4. But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Strange as it may seem, we find this Scripture in the Bible and I’m speaking with particular reference to the latter part where Paul says that his, is to please God, not men.  Why is it important and given to us as a reflection today; it’s because of the unashamed misuse of the Ministry God gives us by His Own Authority, a Ministry intended to bring Him glory.  I also recall what Paul tells the Corinthians in his first letter to them, where he points out the divisions that their meetings cause to their church.

Now let’s look at our own situation in our churches.  I’ve noticed that men with money are found favored by the shepherds that’re meant to be pasturing the sheep.  I’ve seen the blatant partiality the rich get when they approach the parish office.  The pastor/priest is ready to bend backwards to accommodate them, even on trivial issues.  I remember once a priest was committed to go to bless a person’s new home in the slum area; subsequently, a rich person invited him to bless his workshop.  The priest sent a message to the poor person expressing his inability to come because of a sudden development and then attended the rich man’s opening ceremony.  Who did he please God or man?  Andy why did he do that?  Because, I suppose, he would’ve benefitted monetarily and also that the priest felt the rich man would keep supporting the church in the future!

So crass and brazen are the acts of the clergy that today it’s no longer shocking or surprising; simply because it is, shall I say, not unexpected.  And it’s so different from the approach Paul and his ilk had, when they were in the field.  Never did they see the office of the person they ministered to but all were treated equally and impartially.  I sincerely wish to see the same spirit operating in our people leading the flock and that includes you and me so that once again the people see the leaders of the flock and remember through them the Chief Shepherd, Whose qualities they emulate.  Is this too much to ask of us who’re supposed to be followers of Christ?