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Church leaders often preach and teach to Christian believers when they gather to worship. However, servants of Christ do not preach their own messages but God’s.
Moreover, Christ is always aware of the message His true servants prepare to preach or teach. His ministers receive the message they must preach by the inspiration of His Spirit who dwells within them.
The Psalmist knew this, so he wrote: “Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you KNOW IT ALTOGETHER” (Psalm 139:4).
Therefore, every church leader must be reminded that Jesus is aware of the message they prepare to preach or teach to His disciples
He is also aware of the key message He has commanded all servants in all generations to preach and teach.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe ALL THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU” (Matthew 28:19-20).
We must also remind ourselves that we are under-shepherds, and that we shall give account of our teachings and preaching to the Chief Shepherd, our Master, on the judgment day.
Many church leaders have forgotten who they really are; they have forgotten that they are not the Master, but servants.
Peter, the apostle, taught that all ministers are under-shepherds, and that Christ Jesus alone is the Chief Shepherd, the only Archbishop, of all bishops (1 Peter 5:4).
Understand that the Greek word translated “Chief Shepherd” in the scriptural passage above also means “Arch Bishop.”
So, on the Day of Judgment, we shall give account of our teachings to the Lord Jesus. Peter, the apostle, served his generation with this idea in mind.
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that WE WHO TEACH WILL BE JUDGED WITH GREATER STRICTNESS” (James 3:1).
By James Quansah
