THERE are too many rebels in the Church today who call themselves disciples of Jesus Christ. We must be careful about such people. In several places, the word of God warns us about them, teaches us how to recognize them, and tells us what to do about them. For example, Paul taught the Philippians thus:
Philippians 3:17-19 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Paul also taught Timothy his protégé:
2 Timothy 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
In these two passages of the Holy Bible (to mention just a few), we see ample evidence or examples of what to look for in rebels masquerading as disciples. In fact, our Lord gave us the golden rule for this when He said in Matthew 7:15-16:
Matthew 7:15-16 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits
What this means is that we should pay utmost attention to the character, not the gifts/charisma of those who parade themselves as disciples of Christ. The test of their obedience or submission to the Lord will not show in their gifts, it will show in their character. And if we ignore issues of character in the lives of so-called disciples or ministers, we shall continue to bring disrepute to the name of the Lord. That is not even the most alarming part; the most alarming part is that if we fill our churches with people who do not obey the Lord, on the last day Jesus Christ will say to them, depart from me (Matthew 7: 21 23), and the labour of the pastor or leader shall be consumed by fire (1Corinthians 3: 11 15). So, leaders must be concerned, and must strive to ensure that their followers obey the Lord. Followers also must be keen not merely to please their pastors/leaders, but more importantly to please God. What pleases God? Our obedience (1Samuel 15: 22 23). In fact, our Lord Jesus Christ said of Himself in John 8: 29,
John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
What about you? Are you pleasing God? Are you obeying Him?
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