clcgh.org Building The Capacity Of Christian Leaders, Equipping The Saints For The Work Of Ministry, Redirecting Straying Christians To The Sound Knowledge Of Christ
It is very difficult for many Christians to differentiate between a true man of God and a false man of God. What makes it difficult is the fact that both of them use the Bible, put on similar clothes, preach and pray in the name of Jesus Christ and use the same titles.
However, Christians must understand that a true or false man of God is not necessarily someone who wields a Bible in his hands or under his armpit. A person may carry a Bible around preaching, teaching and praying, yet may be unknown to Christ.
A true man of God is not necessarily someone who is eloquent and fluent in speech or someone who is presentable. Eliab, Jesse’s son, had an impressive stature which nearly moved the prophet Samuel to anoint him king over Israel, but God had rejected him (1 Samuel 16:6-7).
A true man of God is not necessarily someone who accurately quotes scriptures or speaks persuasively. A person may be good at all these things, yet may be an enemy of the Cross.
A true minister of Christ is not necessarily someone who is called bishop, prophet and apostle. People in his church and the community may accord him all the necessary courtesies, yet he may be described as a worker of iniquity by the Lord Jesus Christ.
However, Christ Jesus has His appointed servants in the world. He calls them faithful servants, brothers and friends. Such men of God abide in Christ’s love, doctrine and gladly obey His commands.
They do not only have sound knowledge of the gospel of Christ, but also live and act the Word of God with the understanding that the power of the Word of God is not in knowing it, but in doing it.
They are concerned about Christ-like character and not clerical collar. Thus, the character of these ministers are shaped by the fruit of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.
Moreover, true men of God are humble, and obedient to Jesus Christ, the Master. They recognize and declare the Lord Jesus Christ as their Head, and they are committed to building on the foundation the early Apostles laid. So, they preach and teach the full gospel without betraying any of them.
True servants of Christ explain the mysteries of God and exalt Christ wherever they go and in whatever they do. Like the apostle Paul, and the other foundational apostles, they toil day and night, preaching, teaching and praying so that they may present every believer mature in Christ.
They know that their core ministry is not necessarily to motivate Christians to acquire cars, build houses and amass wealth. Of course, these are very important things everyone needs, but true ministers have a sense of priority.
They know that the main aim of their calling is among other things to preach the gospel and build up believers spiritually to the stature of the measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).
In their day-to-day activities, they are conscious that they are to perfect the saints for the work of ministry so that all may conform to the image of Christ. This is God’s plan for every believer. (Romans 8:28-29, Ephesians 4:11-15, Colossians 1:28).
It is for this very purpose that all the fivefold ministers, toil and struggle with all the energy of Christ that He powerfully works within them (Colossians 1:29).
By James Quansah
