Have you ever heard the saying that after the service the Church members sit down to a meal of 'roast minister'? This can be the case in some Churches but it could also be the reason why the fruit of the spirit are not in evidenence to any great extent!

Most of those same people would not dream of placing this same criticism on Jesus' ministry but in effect this is what they are actually doing. The reason I think this is because of what Jesus said in the gospel attributed to John, Chapter 13, verse 20.

Joh 13:20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.

Jesus knew that later ministers would not have perfect doctrine but this does not mean that we can judge them on the basis that WE have perfect doctrine either! No, we are to receive them, and receive their message as from God, and eat the word and inwardly digest, to feed on everything that is of God.

If you think a preacher's doctrine is wrong or lacks balance, then pray for him/her; ask God to enlighten them (and you also!) to what His doctrines truly are, and for Him to be the Church's guide!

But, why should we take this calming route? This is what Paul says in the book of Romans.

Rom 14:4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

The ministers of the gospel are not our mouth-pieces; they serve in the Church but they are God's mouth-pieces. Whether we think they are right or whether we think they are wrong, we are to love them and respect them if for no other reason than to honor Jesus who sent them.

Because of the hand of Jesus being on the ministers He sends we should learn to receive the ministers of God with the same respect and the same honor that we would give Jesus Himself. Then we'll open the door for greater spiritual power to be released to us individually and/or in the Church.

Mat 10:41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward.

Let's welcome Jesus in His ministers, pastors, evangelists, prophets, and all righteous men, and so receive the blessings God reserves to bring to us through them!

Best wishes for grace and the peace of Jesus.

Attlee.

Another thought....