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Weekly Digest Inspirational Articles

Avoiding Vices of the Ministry Bliss & Fire Network Weekly Digest - October 11, 2011

  |   Author: Pastor Wales Goriola

Avoiding Vices of the Ministry

"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." –2 Timothy 2:1–5

EXPLORATION

A Vice is a practice or a habit considered immoral, great wickedness, depraved, and/or degrading in the associated society. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a defect, an infirmity or merely a bad habit. Synonyms for vice include fault, depravity, sin, iniquity, wickedness and corruption. Vice is the opposite of virtue. –encyclopedia

INSPIRATION

There are factors that could get a minister distracted from the vision of his ministry and gets engaged in the vices of this world and consequently make a shipwreck of his ministry. We need to know them so that we can avoid them whenever and wherever they arise. They are:

  • Desire for material wealth. The Bible says, "For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple" –Romans 16:18. (John 12:1–6, Philippians 4:11–12, 1 Timothy 6:6–12.)
  • The Pride of life (Philippians 4: 13, Galatians 5:26, Acts 12:20–23, Isaiah 42:8
  • The lust of the flesh (Jude 4, Jude 7–8, Jude 12–13, Jude 16, 2 Timothy 2:22).

There are cases of people who believe that the gospel ministry is like any other commercial venture and so another avenue to make money. Others could feel that it is mainly for solving social and spiritual problems; while there are those who see it as another social organization, an alternative to town meetings. Where these kinds of views prevail, the minister will miss the mark of biblical Christian ministry. In this regard, their god or main focus becomes either a pursuit of what to fill their belly, earnest effort at solving problems, acquire material wealth, seek worldly pleasure or always endeavor to project his personality.

This week: It is important to have it settled in our minds that the core objective of the gospel ministry is to win souls for the kingdom of God —and give man the hope of eternal life. God wants you to win souls for the kingdom, as you keep your eye on Him and avoid vices that could hinder ones’ ministry. It’s your choice to keep your focus on Him your Lord and your God. 

Remember, the Bible says: "But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen" –1 Peter 4:7–11.

You are blessed, we love you!

Pastor Wales Goriola

Bliss & Fire Network Team

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