The Podcast
I listened to a podcast recently, linked to a business website of a person speaking about their spiritual journey which led them to start their ministry and business. Their ministry enabled them to create professional websites to fulfil their customers’ vision, where the primary target stakeholders were Christians.
The podcast was positive and gave encouragement on starting your own journey whilst reminding one not to step out in fear but more importantly, step out in faith and just start.
The Criteria
What I found interesting listening to the podcast was the moment it was suggested that before embarking on a new venture whilst being a member of a church, it was always good practice to seek guidance from members of the church of which you are a member.
I guess there are always benefits to seeking wisdom from a member of the church, since knowledge is key and yes there could be that one person that shares information willingly, without hampering your purpose but instead leaving you feeling excited, empowered and encouraged.
Actually, that wasn’t what drew my interest. What I found jaw dropping from the podcast was the point at which it was mentioned that one should seek out that couple in the church that you could look up to. It would be a couple that appears to have everything together, and perhaps they would be that couple you would like to aspire to be like, one day.
It was also said, that if you do not have that couple in the church that fits the said criteria, then well, you could be in the wrong church and should possibly think about seeking a new place of fellowship. In the podcaster’s defence, they went on to say that although they were not encouraging people to leave their church, there should be, if not a couple, or pastor, there should at least be an elder with whom you could share your vision.
The Green Light
Naturally, this led me to look at my own church of which I am member and make a mental note of all of the couples who worship together. Do I long to be like the couple married for many years who also have children in the church band, a couple possibly leading various church ministries and oozing with the word. I had to ask myself for the first time, which couple, brother or sister in the church I aspired to one day be.
I couldn’t think of one but let’s not get caught up in this ideal.
We have to ask ourselves whether we would like to be like man. We know that we cannot put our trust in man for what is impossible with human beings is possible for God. I found this really interesting since the bible says we are the head and not the tail and that we are leaders and not followers, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Knowing this fact would surely mean that we would not need to aspire to be like any man. Aspirations are best left for our Heavenly Father, for it is he that we should want to be more like. For he is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, of which we already claim inheritance as children of God.
We need to make our own path and seek guidance and wisdom from our heavenly father. At the first juncture, being reliant on man isn't exactly wise but of course one might want to seek guided wisdom from a church member, or advice from a non-church member, i.e., a professional, a mentor or person of interest in that given area, especially since one never knows whose eyes the Lord chooses to speak to us through.
Ultimately one should be discerning, follow their heart, the holy spirit and the word knowing that you have received the green light from your heavenly father with whatever decision and route you choose. For it was the Lord that placed the desire in your heart and remembering that the Lord will never fail you but instead show you which route to take.
Ask yourself whom you are following?
Summary
We can be confident that when we are called for action, we will not be walking alone.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
Luke 18:27 Jesus replied, "What is impossible with human beings is possible with God."
Colossians 2:10 says, And in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
Deuteronomy 28:13 says that The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.
These scriptures are powerful reminders and promises of God’s word.
Testimony
We can be thankful for all the creative ideas, opportunities, dreams, spoken words, references and guidance of the holy spirit that touch our lives in so many ways and encourage us to be the best version of ourselves and be more like Jesus. Our God is a faithful God who loves us all unconditionally.
Comments