Who Can Fix It?

"Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly."
James 3:1 (New Living Translation)


  My morning began with a pleasant, quiet walk through the neighborhood. I was still motivated after walking so I decided to mow my front yard. It was after 8 A.M. and I felt it best to do it before the sun was directly overhead. As usual, my thoughts were plethora as I moved about with my chores, reflected on the weekend, and prayed.


  Sunday church service was good. This particular church has won me over primarily because of the pastor's preaching. It never fails that he has a Word for me directly from the Lord. The theme of Sunday's message centered around our having made it through with the help of the Lord; and even though it is our own fault, at times, that we are in our rough period, God still is faithful to bail us out.  And yet, there remains a certain sect of believers who are most eager to be the mouthpiece of God for so many others.  The privilege of being gifted to pronounce God's warnings, admonishments, correction and blessings on the lives of His people should never be taken lightly. In fact, I venture to say that to prophesy is one of the most coveted spiritual gifts but it also comes with a very high price.


  As I progressed in my military career it became mandatory that I attend many schools which taught me not only about my military occupational specialty (MOS), but about individuals, as well. You see, the Army did not see fit to allow me to "grow in rank" without equipping me with the proper tools to administer as I lead my many soldiers in training, everyday living, and eventually into war. I also had to learn the proper conduct towards the officers and senior non-commissioned officers above me.  Being a conduit for God should be taken even more seriously.


  Oftentimes the Word of prophesy one may receive is not a fore telling of something definite, but merely a warning if that individual does not alter his/her behavior. Without the proper discerning of the unction greater damage can be caused in delivering such a thing to a person. Depending on where the person is spiritually, such news could cause them to become fearful, anxious, or nervous and they will succumb to their fears and fail or fall out of God's grace. Sometimes the unction given to us about another is simply for us to pray. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16, International Standard version).


  We are all vessels in which the process of living has produced cracks, dents, chips and scars in our being.  So while we are busy surveying the defects of others it would do us well to inventory our own selves. There is but one God. 
  
"I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed."  -Booker T. Washington
    
 Have a great day.
 Dennis