Christian Living
Some pastors and ministers take any suggestion of a better way of doing things as criticism. They see themselves as “the boss,” have no humility and are victims of pride. Any hint they may not know best—any suggested change to the status quo—meets with opposition.
“Oh no, it will never work. It can’t be done. We’ve always done it this way.”
There is always a better way. The evidence is in everyday common-as-soap items. Before washing machines, women had to wash clothes with their hands. It was hard work. Before motor cars, the horse and cart was the mode of transport. Before airliners, it took at least a week by ship to cross the Atlantic. Before emails, the much slower, labour-intensive telegram system operated.
In the days when petrol (gas) was cheap, Henry Ford insisted an eight-cylinder automobile engine was possible. His engineers said it wasn’t. Ford persisted and the eight-cylinder engine became a reality. There was more power and therefore a better way.
So life means progress. A better way. So it should be with the Christian life. Yet often God is hindered by the mule-like attitude of some “leaders.” In their view God speaks only to them; everyone else is less spiritual, less important. So there is no listening and no action when a better way is suggested.
It’s interesting that so many great Christian ministries were not birthed by the church, but by individuals to whom God spoke: The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Campus Crusade for Christ, Youth With a Mission, Operation Mobilization and many more.
They heard from God and they went ahead. They didn’t need permission or the “covering of the body” (though some might have got it) as denominational leaders like to emphatically put it. Sometimes that is an excuse to dominate and manipulate. God’s umbrella is a big enough covering for anyone.
So individuals who hear from God are not hindered by fear of breaking a tradition (often man-made and non-Biblical) or some committee not approving of it. Our Master is not the church, God is.
T. L. Osborn and his wife Daisy heard from God and did something. In great outdoor meetings by God’s grace they brought the Gospels and Book of Acts to life in Africa, India and elsewhere.
Traditional missionaries tried to discourage them, said it would never work, but we see the results in Osborn’s book “Healing the Sick.” Well-worn methods made little large-scale impact, but Osborn had the courage to act on his belief and do something new.
Young Englishwoman Jackie Pulinger was given unusual advice by her local church minister. She wasn’t happy with the routine, mundane church happenings in the village. She wanted to do something great for God, and the minister told her to embark on a world cruise ship and get off where God instructed. It was Hong Kong, and her book “Chasing the Dragon” describes her wonderful work for God living (literally) among the criminal Triad gangs there.
Thank God for that minister who could picture something greater than the happenings in his little village. He encouraged a young woman who wanted to get serious with God.
Is the Lord showing you a better way today?
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Amen!! Ive known a pastor or two like that. Doesnt work. We are all able to hear from God. If I can hear from Him, ANYONE can! Thank you.
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