There will be times In our Christian Journey whereby we are tempted to walk, act, and speak like someone in the Faith that we admire. How many times have you seen a mega church TV Pastor do something profound in the Spirit and all of the sudden other Pastor's, Evangelist and Preachers are trying to emulate (copy) the exact same clothing style, speech pattern and movements so as to get the same results. They seem clumsy and out of balance as they try to be someone God never intended them to be or reach an audience that God did not intend for them to reach.
This temptation to be someone else is very strong but the results are it slows the work of "Kingdom Building". Whether we know it or not EVERYONE has an appointment and spiritual assignment, audience and space to occupy in the Kingdom of God. Some people have been given assignments by God that have absolutely nothing to do with the pulpit or even working with church auxiliaries or committees. Their part in the Kingdom of God is to do wondrous works outside of the church so that both the saved and unsaved can see the Glorious work of God and in turn, build their Faith if they are saved or if not, they will ask; What Must I do to be saved?
As individuals assigned to work in the vineyard we may find ourselves in environments that look nothing like the church. Some of the Greatest Soul Saving work has been done in brothels, bars, crack houses, in the midst of criminal activities. I recently heard of a man in Memphis Tn who broke into the home of a 93 year old women and began to rob her. She told the robber that if he killed her right then she knew where she would be the next instant. But would he know where he would be going for eternity. The robber left her unharmed and it is my hope that in that instant, God spoke to his heart and he decided to turn his life around for Christ. How about the numerous suicide attempts where someone intervened right before the person jumped, pulled the trigger or kicked out the stool beneath them. I am sure you have heard that someone comes in and gives a word of hope and they decide to live yet another day. This is the work that we do individually, yet we do it as one. One body of believers exhorting each other to be what it is that God called them to be. Not to copy someone elses ministry because we think this is the formula for success or we are looking for the praises and honors of men.
How many ministries are ineffective because they are trying to be what they were not called to be. Can Chickens fly high like eagles? Do minnows swim like sharks, yet each one has it's own divine purpose in God's design. This is why we must counsel with God and seek to recognize our gifts and talents and get on with what God has designed us to do individually and then see how that connects with the broader context which may be the local church or some other body of believers connecting for the glory of God. This is not work that can be done in our heads, it is formed in our hearts and is orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. If we do this and stay committed in our efforts, we will soon see our lives transformed into a lively HOPE that helps a dying world and ushers in the presence of God.
My Hope for you the reader is that you fully embrace what it is that God has called you to be. And to embrace the truth imparted in John 10:10 which states: "The thief cometh not but to steal and to kill and to destroy. I (Jesus) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Amen
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