FACING THE FUTURE WITH HOPE

 

FACING THE FUTURE WITH HOPE

Michael Joseph Gowon

Habakkuk was aware of the wickedness of the Babylonians who were ruling at that time. Violence, cruelty, treachery was on the increase. In chapter 1 Habakkuk voiced his complaint to God about the injustice and wickedness he observed among his own people, particularly the Israelites. He was troubled by the prevalence of violence, iniquity, and wrongdoing. God responded to Habakkuk's complaint by revealing that He intends to use the Chaldeans (Babylonians) as a tool of divine judgment against the Israelites. However, this raises further questions for Habakkuk, as he questions why God would use a nation even more wicked than Israel to punish His people.

 In Chapter 2, God reassured Habakkuk that the Babylonians' arrogance and cruelty will not go unpunished. They will ultimately face divine judgment for their wickedness and pride. And further in that chapter God introduces the popular phrase of, "The righteous shall live by faith," emphasizing the importance of trust and faith in God's ultimate justice, even when faced with difficult circumstances and apparent injustices.

 In Chapter three Habakkuk raised a Prayer of Praise and Trust in God's sovereignty and power. Habakkuk acknowledges God's mighty deeds in history, including the Exodus and other acts of deliverance, and expresses his faith in God's ability to save His people. He finally resolved to trust in God even if it involves suffering and uncertainty. He acknowledges that, despite the hardships that may come, he will rejoice in the Lord and find his strength in God.

 We live in an age where there is little or no hope for the future. Many things are happening that points to the fact that unless we intentionally choose to live by faith, we cannot make it in the days ahead. Habakuk cried out to God asking him to intervene:

^“Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention” (1:3).

 God’s response to him was simple, and I believe it is the same response He is declaring to you and me in our difficult days and seasons. “The Just shall live by faith” (2:4).

 Habakkuk observed that in his days, “the wicked doth compass about the righteous, . . . wrong judgment proceedeth” (1:4). The people were terrible and dreadful (1:7). In the midst of all these disheartening manifestations, Habakkuk was full of hope. He saw his future from God’s perspective. He did not allow the prevailing situations in Babylon to design his tomorrow. He chose to commit himself to prayer and meditation.

“I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved” (2:1).  Habakkuk was willing to stand and watch and see. He was ready and committed to listening to God to hear what He will say to him and was willing to answer back to God appropriately. He even declared his vision of a prosperous tomorrow, or for the better days ahead.

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry” (2:3). With the eye of God, Habakkuk, saw the future of the earth that is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (2:14).

 No wonder, he cried out to God for his swift intervention to revive His work in the midst of the years. “O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy” (3:2). Habakkuk then declared that he will face his future with hope and expectations, he had conditioned his heart to think more like God and not as mere man. He acknowledged God’s power and majesty. He accepted God’s ability to deliver, to provide, to protect and laid his life and his future in His abled hands.

 ^“The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. . . . .” (3:19). The hinds ‘feet is a metaphor comparing God’s strength to the strength of a hind, a type of a deer known for its speed and agility. Habakkuk was declaring that God will give him the strength to overcome his enemies and to walk in victory. Hinds are able to run quickly and easily over rough terrain. In the same manner, we must not face our future discouraged, disenfranchised, but look to it with the confidence that we will overcome all the obstacles in our path.

 God will help you to “walk upon your high places.” He will help you to achieve your goals, fulfil your dreams and make good your outstanding priorities. That verse 19 of Habakkuk 3 is a declaration of trust in God’s power and his confidence that God will help him to overcome his enemies, his inhibitions, limitations and obstacles. The truth cannot be overemphasized that in this hour really,” the just shall live by faith.”

 Like Habakkuk, let us look into our future with God’s eyes. “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity” (1:13a).  Until you chose to stand upon your watch, and set your heart, your eyes, ears and feet to do only his biddings daily, you will face your tomorrow with a lot of discouragement, hopelessness, fear and anxiety or a defeat mentality.

 Let me end this exhortation, by commanding you to take your eyes away from that challenge, and put in on God’s unfailing ability to deliver and provide succour for you in all circumstances. Habakkuk used his farming memories to explain his resolve to trust God no matter what. He proclaimed:

’’Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls” (3:17). He captured six negatives here and said, even if these six things do not come to be, he will not loose hope in the God who knows the end from the beginning. The one who was in the end before he even started the beginning. Our God is awesome. Let everything humanly speaking fail.” Yet, Habakkuk declared he will trust God for his deliverance.

“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (3:18). I have made up my mind like Habakkuk, to look unto my future with hope. Our God is sufficient. He is your deliverer, your way maker, the light in your darkness.

 “And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD” (Jer. 31:17). “For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope” (Ecc. 9:4). Job declared “For there is hope of a tree, it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.” (Job 14:7). And just like it was in the days of Ezra when Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, said, “We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land, yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing” (Ezra 10:2).  If you listen to the sound of wisdom you will escape with your life and be a blessing to your generation, but if you ignore God’s bidding, then this scripture will be fulfilled on you that, “there is more hope for a fool than you” (Prov. 26:12; 29:20).

 

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR FACE

             YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR FACE

An Examination of the Past, the Bible, and Abraham Lincoln's Thoughts on the Matter

Pastor Michael Joseph Gowon

 

Introduction

The adage "You are responsible for your face" has a deep historical significance and bears profound implications for personal responsibility and the growth of one's character. The proverb was first recorded in the 16th century. In this article, we will investigate the historical roots of this statement, its applicability in light of Ecclesiastes 8:1, and connect it to Abraham Lincoln's famous response during the selecting of his cabinet in the year 1860. Through the examination of these facets, we will bring to light the significance of personal responsibility in the process of molding a person's character and how this process influences interaction and decision-making. I am sure you have come across people whose face speak a lot about them. By looking at their faces, you can write pages about what their face is insinuating. In fact, they say it, body language may account for between 60% to 65% of all communication[1]. Researcher Paul Ekman has found support for the universality of a variety of facial expressions tied to particular emotions including joy, anger, fear, surprise, and sadness[2]. Research even suggests that we make judgments about people's intelligence based on their faces and expressions.

 

One study also found that individuals who had narrower faces and more prominent noses were more likely to be perceived as intelligent. People with smiling, joyful expression as being more intelligent than those with angry expressions[3] This alone speaks volume and a wise person will have a rethink about how he or she is processing and presenting his/her face to the public.

 

I have met people that their faces speak a lot about their journey of life. From their faces alone, you can see suffering, worry, tragedy, loneliness, hopelessness while from that of others you would see light, happiness, a victory mentality, a champion mindset and a potential winner. If there was any thing like the ugly man contest, I assure you that I have seen a man that will carry the prize. His face tells it all. And if you see him, I am sure you will agree with me. If you doing a drama series and wants a certain individual to play the role of a wicked, thug or assassin, you would look for a fellow with a face that look close to the role isn’t it? Do not mislead others by your fake face, be real.

 

There are more than seven billion people on this planet, and every one of them has a distinct look to their eyes, nose, mouth, and cheeks. One of the most potent weapons in social contact is the face, which is capable of conveying a wide range of emotions and saying a lot about individuals.

The historical setting and significance

The idea that a person is responsible for their face may be traced back to ancient times, when the notion of facial expression representing one’s, inner self gained significance. This is where the idea that a person is responsible for their face can be found. Many civilizations throughout history, such as ancient Greece and Rome, held the belief that a person's outward appearance mirrored their inner nature, as well as their deeds and the outcomes of the decisions they made. This idea highlighted the value of personal responsibility as well as the necessity of cultivating a virtuous character that would positively influence one's face and reputation in the eyes of others. Several historical civilizations held the view that one's external appearance revealed their inner essence and the results of their deeds, as shown by the following examples:

Ancient Greece

The concept of kalokagathia, which placed emphasis on the harmony of aesthetic beauty and moral virtue, was held by the ancient Greeks. They held that a person's outward appearance was a mirror of their inner nature and that goodness and justice were linked to beauty.

Ancient Rome

The Romans held a similar view regarding the relationship between look and character. The idea of "honestas" included both aesthetic excellence and moral uprightness. Romans thought that a person's good deeds and overall character would be reflected in their face and behavior.

Ancient Egypt

I highly valued personal hygiene and attractiveness in ancient Egyptian civilization. An attractive and dazzling exterior, according to the Egyptians, reflected inner righteousness and purity. They believed that physical beauty was directly related to one's fate and was associated with spiritual attributes.

 Chinese Confucianism

The Confucian school of thought, which had its roots in ancient China, placed a strong emphasis on morality and good behavior. In this tradition, keeping one's composure and dignity was viewed as a representation of one's moral character. People who wanted to develop virtue were thought to need to follow appropriate protocol and present a peaceful demeanor.

 Europe in the Middle Ages

The idea of physiognomy became more widespread throughout this time. The goal of physiognomy was to infer a person's personality and fate from their face features. There was a theory that certain physical characteristics could predict certain moral or mental traits.

These illustrations show how different cultures throughout history understood the relationship between an individual's external behavior and their inner character, actions, and decision-making. The conviction of this link emphasizes the significance of individual accountability and the pursuit of moral excellence in determining one's appearance and general behavior.

 A Look at Things from a Biblical Standpoint

In the King James Version of the Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:1 offers some insightful advice regarding the cultivation of one's character and one's sense of personal responsibility. The following question is posed in the verse: "Who is as the wise man? And who is it that can explain the meaning of something? According to Ecclesiastes 8:1, "a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed."

This verse places a strong emphasis on the connection that exists between wisdom, character, and the outward aspect of a person. It gives the impression that a person's level of intelligence and judgment might result in a brightness that can be seen in their face. Additionally, the text seems to imply that the boldness or impudence that is reflected on one's face can be modified by the pursuit of wisdom and righteousness.

This verse from Ecclesiastes exhorts individuals to accept responsibility for their own growth and development at every stage of their lives. It places a strong emphasis on the significance of actively seeking wisdom, which can, in turn, improve a person's character and have a good influence on their interactions with others as well as their entire demeanor.

 From the Perspective of Abraham Lincoln

 In 1860, when President Abraham Lincoln was choosing his cabinet members, he was advised to appoint a certain man into a certain position. Lincoln is infamous for his response when he said: "No, I won't because I don't like his face."  The advisors surprised replied him saying, “The poor man isn’t responsible for his face . . .” Lincoln had a quick answer to give them, "Any man over the age of 40 is responsible for his face." The advisors were stunned.

The answer of Lincoln shows the concept that a person's face communicates something about who they are and how they behave. Lincoln alludes to the fact that individuals are responsible for their outward expressions as well as the impressions that they generate by declaring that a man above the age of 40 is responsible for his face. This perspective is consistent with the notion that an individual's level of personal responsibility extends to how they interact with other people and how they show themselves to others. The Bible says, a man who desires to have friends ought also to show himself to be friendly.

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24).

A man who receives friendship should return it, or else he is guilty of severe ingratitude; friendship ought to be mutual and reciprocal, as it was between David and Jonathan; a guy who receives friendship should return it. It has been said that at 20 you have the face God gave you, at 40 you have the face that life has molded, and at 60 you have the face you deserve. Nature gives you the face you have at twenty, life shapes the face you have at thirty. But at fifty you get the face you deserve.

I returned late from my village to Jos and needed help moving my things, including a bag of maize, to my dwelling on the outskirts. I agreed to let a drug-addicted adolescent carry the bag of maize to my residence.

 I offered him N500 on arrival at my house to help him, but his face changed when he got the money. He was frowning and irritated, not grateful. His ingratitude shocked me.

 As if his ingratitude wasn't enough, he asked me, "Sir, is this big dog barking your dog? I said, "Yes, it is my dog." After giving the Dog another careful inspection of its face, he remarked, "No wonder, the dog looks exactly like you." I took exception to the accusation and asked, "Are you mad?" In reality, he just wanted payback for feeling that I hadn't met his high expectations. And he did succeed; I let him see that his statement made me angry, and I yelled at him. Then, satisfied with his revenge, he ran away.

The Invitation to Develop Yourself Further

Taking into account the historical setting, the teachings of the Bible, and Abraham Lincoln's point of view, the message is unmistakable: every individual is required to work on improving themselves in order to comply with Ecclesiastes 8:1 and to accept responsibility for their appearance. Personal growth and the development of one's character require, among other things, the active cultivation of virtues, the acquisition of wisdom, and the embodiment of integrity.

Individuals gain the empowerment to actively engage in self-improvement when they realize that their behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs form their character as well as how they are regarded by others. Individuals can aim to have a beneficial impact on the world around them, affect the connections they have, and make solid decisions that are guided by wisdom and justice if they accept responsibility for their face and make such commitments.

 In conclusion

"You are responsible for your face" is a quote that resonates with the perspective that Abraham Lincoln had on personal responsibility. This quote has both historical value and biblical insight. This phrase serves as a reminder that our personalities, deeds, and decisions all contribute to the formation of our outer expressions and influence how others view us. Our faces can be transformed into ones that reflect a countenance that emanates honesty, kindness, and moral virtue if we put the effort into working on ourselves, embracing wisdom, and sticking to virtuous values. Remember that it is up to each person to create a face that positively influences their relationships and helps to the creation of a better world. This obligation resides with the individual.

ENDNOTES

---

[1]Foley GN, Gentile JP. Nonverbal communication in psychotherapy. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2010;7(6):38-44.

 [2]Ekman P. Darwin's contributions to our understanding of emotional expressions. Philos Trans R Soc Lond, B, Biol Sci. 2009;364(1535):3449-51. doi:10.1098/rstb.2009.0189

 [3] Kleisner K, Chvátalová V, Flegr J. Perceived intelligence is associated with measured intelligence in men but not women. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(3): e81237. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081237

 

Identifying and engaging your

PLATFORM(S) FOR SPIRITUAL EXPLOIT

Many believers are under-performing because they hold unto a mentality that Christian service is “for the called” and “the ordained” not for everyone.  They isolate themselves from responsibility and satisfy their weakness and ignorance with the lies that unless you are called, ordained and commissioned, you have no “right” to serve as a messenger of the good news.

For a long time now, my heart has been burdened about the fact that I am not even utilizing my platforms effectively to proclaim the message of hope. And I believe that having a clear understanding of what platforms stand for can help us to better engage them for our greater good wherever we are.

What is a platform?

A clearer understanding of what a platform stands for will help us to better appreciate the driving force for this message.

·        A platform is a flat raised part of the floor in a large room from which you make a speech.

·        A platform is an opportunity to make your ideas or believe known publicly.

·        In the military art, a Platform is an elevation of earth or a floor of wood or stone on which cannons are mounted to fire on an enemy (American Dictionary of the English Language)

·        In the electronic world, a Platform is a hardware or software architecture that acts as a basic structure upon which applications, processes, and technologies are developed and run to enable business or work outcomes.

·        In the engineering world today, we have what is called platform engineering which is an emerging technology approach that can accelerate the delivery of applications and the pace at which they produce business value. Platform engineering improves developer experience and productivity by providing self-service capabilities with automated infrastructure operations. This innovation is modernizing enterprise software delivery and particularly digital transformation.

The Pulpit

Another word for Platform is Pulpit. The origin of the word is the Latin pulpitum (Platform or staging). Traditionally the pulpit is usually raised above the surrounding floor for audibility and visibility, accessed by steps, with sides coming to about the waist height. It is normally from the pulpit that the word is declared in front of the congregation.

In order to achieve global spiritual revolution and transformation, God want us to be able to identify platforms around us and utilize the same to declare the good news. When you know the platform to use to declare the message that is boiling in your heart is not only limited to the one, we find in the four corners of the church, then I believe we would experience rapid transformation in the manner with which we spread out the message of hope to our lost and dying generation. A kind of a spiritual platform engineering is required in order to facilitate the fulfilment of our mandate of the great commission.

What I am talking about is supposed to be a spiritual cloud-based platform of sort. That enables us from everywhere to be able to deploy content, engage in social networking activities through seamless integration in organized environments, marketplaces, one-one demand services, crowdsourcing platforms, social media handles and all other unexpected places where you can find your pulpit.

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching.  For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths.  As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry” (2 Tim. 4:1-5RSV).

Spiritual Platform Shifts

The purpose of this article is to address the overemphasis that has dominated Christendom and limited our validity and coverage. It is the believe that the pulpit is the only platform where Christians messages can be shared. Dean Briggs opined that there have been six spiritual platform shifts in history namely:

1.     The move from the Tree of life to the Tree of Knowledge of God and evil

2.     From Universal to particular relationship after God scattered the nations, and called a single man Abraham to follow Him.

3.     God added the Mosaic Covenant to Israel’s charter with Him.

4.     The radical shift from Old Covenant to New Covenant around 30 AD in the dead, resurrection and birthing of the Body of Christ in Acts chapter two.

5.     When Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity’s relationship to the State with the edict of Milan in 313 AD.

6.     The massive spiritual platform shift that took place during Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation.

7.     The seventh platform shift will be from “Church” to “ekklesia.”

In all of these instances, history itself shifted. This last platform “ecclesia” will not be focused on the Pastors or teachers, but will be rather apostolic and prophetically driven, raising and equipping powerful models to take new grounds and teaching others to do the same. This platform will be shaped with innovation that are mobile, responsive and adaptive in organization, style and communication. It will afford linkages, networks with like-minded entities in the market places, parachurch ministries and other local ecclesias promoting a shared vision. These connections will multiply all over   and will further involve increased angelic interactions, visitations, and a sense of the cooperation of the cloud of witnesses.

 In the words of Alice Walters, you need to find your pulpit in unexpected places to share what you carry. Every one of us is a minister of some sort, which is to say you’ve a message unique to you that you need you bless our world with. Are you a teacher in a school environment? Then you need to realize that you have been posted there by God for a purpose. And you must take your place and fulfil your mission. Life has two principal priorities – our relationship with God and our service for Him. Are you’re a doctor or a nurse, your workplan is you’re your platform for ministry. What ever work you are handling now is your platform for ministry.

Discovering your Platform

In the Old Testament, platforms were rigid. The priests were selected and must remain so, serving God. They were given assignments based on God’s grace, gifts and positioning. However, the service of non-priest was not inferior to those who had the privilege to serve as temple priests. They complemented each other. In fulfilling the ministry leaders like Moses and Aaron, craftsmen like Bezalel were invaluable to the fulfilment of the assignment. Bazalel, did his work so well that 480 years down the line, King Solomon used the same brazen altar crafted by Bezalel to offer his 1000 sacrifices to the Lord (Exo. 38:22; 2 Chro. 1:5-12 & 1 Kgs. 6:1). So, you can see that the altar made by this gifted craftsman lasted for over 400 years, this attest to the quality of the work he made.

 In Exodus 31:1-6 (AMP version), we see that Bezalel, was filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, intelligence and knowledge so that he can make all that God commanded Moses. He was able to produce the items with all the intricate heavenly patterns and designs set forth by God. That is why we need the modern Bezalel in today’s church.

 

The Old Testament reveals the following ministry platforms

1.     Priesthood, where the tribe of Levi, sons of Aaron were assigned to handle.

2.     Prophetic Ministry, where Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Nahum etc’ featured.

3.     Royalty and we see King David, Solomon etc

4.     Administration, here Joseph, Daniel, Nehemiah revealed their giftings.

5.     Craftsmanship where Bezalel, and Aholiab manifested their skills.

6.     Music ministry and the sons of Asaph, Jeduthun etc were examples.

7.     Scribes, writers and recorders like Ezra

8.     Service   where we find the Gibeonites who were hewers of wood, drawers of water as an example.

The New Testament Ministry Platforms are

1.     Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers

2.     Practical Service

3.     Helps

4.     Generosity

5.     Workers of miracles

6.     Mercy ministries – Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42)

7.     Administrations

8.     Medicine – Luke

9.     Writing- Authorship – Luke, Paul, Sylvanus, Tertius (Rom. 16:22; 1 Pet. 5:12)

10. Earthly Governments and rulers were called ministers of God (Rom. 13:1-10)

11. Business owners and employers (Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 4:1); Lydia (a seller of purple Acts 16:14); tentmakers and builders (Acquila and Priscilla, Paul Acts 18:1-3); Landholders and developers (Acts 4:34-37).

12. Accounting/Tax collectors-An example is that of Zacchaeus who did not resign from his job with the internal revenue service following his encounter with Jesus, but brought his new found faith and equity to the marketplace see (Lk. 19:1-10).

Today, we need to engage society so that we can become influential in the market place. Let’s consider the following text and examine them carefully to see what God expects of us.

“So, he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season” (Acts 19:22).

“And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre” (Acts 19:29).

Responsibilities change in life with time. In the text above we find Timotheus and Erastus ministering to Paul, and Gaius, Aristarchus as companions to Paul in his travels. However, by the time Paul was writing to the Romans, their status and platforms in life had changed.

“Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, mu kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius mine host, and of the whole church saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother” (Rom. 16:21-23).

Brethren, Platforms can change as God promotes us or helps us to better understand where he has decided for us to be planted. From the text above it is very clear that once Timothy ministered to Paul alongside Erastus, but when Paul was writing to the Romans, Timothy had become Paul’s fellow worker, and not just an assistant. He was now a “full time” preacher of the gospel and history has it Timothy later became the Bishop of Ephesus.

Erastus, a former assistant to Paul had at this moment become the city treasurer, which is equivalent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, or Governor of the Central Bank of Corinth. I believe Erastus rose to this position as a result of the discipleship he received under Paul and his integrity as a brother in the city, and most of all his accounting skills and expertise.

Gaius, one of Paul’s travelling companions had become a prosperous philanthropist using the vast resources God had given him to extend generosity to Paul and the whole church! He hosted Paul. Tertius on the other hand, a former assistant to Paul has become a literary giant who wrote the epistle to the Romans (v. 22). He had improved his skill so much that he was able to capture the thoughts of Paul as he spoke forth by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Today, the church needs believers who have identified their platforms in life and are willing to pay the price to remain there to do the needful. Your platform may change over time, but you must at any particular time identify a platform from where you will reach out to the nations of the earth. Your sphere of ministry from the platform God has given you may not be global, or even national, but once you have found your platform and are sure this is what God has ordained for you, go ahead and maximize it for God’s glory.

If you are called to “full time ministry” or you are called to be a city treasurer, or literary giant, or into business making a lot of money for kingdom promotion, stay in your call and do your very best.  I want you to know that ministry location is not limited to the pulpit in the church alone. When Jesus said go into all the world and preach the gospel, he meant every word of it and believers ought to obey this command in all walks of life.

In the New Testament, we find Jesus and or the disciples ministering in different locations such as the wilderness, temple, synagogues, the streets where for instance Paul’s shadow brought literal healings to many; the mountainside, the upper room, homes like that of Levi and Cornelius, the market square; lecture halls of Tyrannus, courtrooms – where King Agrippa exclaimed, “You almost persuaded me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:27-28) and in the prison (Acts 16).

The Word of Life in your Mouth

The first revelation you need to grasp is the fact that you have the word of life in your mouth.

“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach” (Rom. 10:8).

“My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever” (Isa. 59:21).

 Once you become a Christian, there is a message on your heart that you must speak out to help this sick and dying world.

^“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16).

Paul said, “I am compelled to fulfil my duty by completing this work. It would be agony to me if I did not constantly preach the gospel” (TPT)

Do not limit yourself by thinking that the platform for you to disseminate your message must be the church alone. Don’t even think you must be on “full time” to necessarily fulfil your ministry. Most believers in the New Testament did not abandon their work to serve Jesus, but they rather served him using their work as a platform.

In the New Testament we find out that Zacchaeus did not resign from the internal revenue service upon becoming a Christian, the Proconsul did not abdicate his office on receiving Christ, there is no indication whatsoever that the Philippian jailer discontinued his work after conversion; Lydia continued her textile business on receiving Christ; Aquila and Priscilla were builders/tentmakers like Paul. There were believers who were wealthy, who were “masters” and had slaves working for them.

We are all on full time

The platform may vary, but it would be a great thing for all believers to realize that they have a message to deliver and necessity is laid upon them and that it would be agony to them if they do not constantly preach the gospel.  The purpose of this article is to remind believers that there are several platforms for Christian ministry.

 You could be using the buses, tracts, social media (Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp etc), workplace to reach out. Are you a doctor, a nurse, lawyer, technologist, craftsman, farmer, banker, teacher, administrator, politician etc., When we all realize that we are all on full-time for the Lord and we all prepare to go to our offices the same way the Pastor prepares to preach his sermon in church then our world will be changing very fast for good. Whether we are in the mission field or in the marketplace, if we understand that we are full-time ministers of the New Testament, not of the letter that kills but of the Spirit that gives life then I would be fulfilled that you have taken the needed deliverable from this article. As a Christian worker, study, pray, fast and seek the power and manifestation of the Holy Spirit with the same intensity a Pastor would in preaching in a Sunday Church service for His greater glory. Prepare to occupy for the Lord using your different identified platforms God has revealed to you. May God help us to see that day fast in Jesus’ name.

 

REFERENCES

1.      American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828

2.      Briggs D. (2020). The Seventh Greatest Spiritual Platform Shift in History, Accessed 15^th March, 2023, https://deanbriggs.com/the-seventh-greatest-spiritual-platform-shift-in-history/

3.      Walters A. (2022). Finding your Pulpit in unexpected Places, accessed 15^th March 2023, https://alliespraise.com/finding-your-pulpit-in-unexpected-places/

4.      Nweka F. (2015). Marketplace Ministry: Using our Platforms in the Marketplace to Transform lives, cities and nations, Burning Books, Nigeria.