This message is directed to those among us who struggle to accept that God cannot betaken for granted. There is often a temptation to present ourselves as exceptionallyspiritual, going so far as to attribute our own words to God. It is important to recognisethat phrases such as “I prophesy to you” are not always necessary. Instead, it is morehonest and meaningful to express our convictions with phrases like “I feel strongly…”, “Ithink”, or “based on my analysis this should be practised”. After all, the scripture says,“we have the mind of Christ’. Such sincerity serves our listeners better than attempts toappear overly spiritual.
Recently, we have witnessed the embarrassment faced by some who claim to be the“Nation’s Prophets”, focusing their prophecies on matters that might bring wealth orfame to their churches. In contrast, the prophets of old were marked by humility, not byostentation or a desire for personal gain. They did not prophesy to elevate their ownimage or to be seen as super spiritual, but rather, they served God with a humble heart.
Scriptural examples do not show men of God retracting or explaining away propheciesthat did not come to pass. Yet today’s prophets often offer excuses when theirpronouncements fail. There is a need for humility and an understanding that ourpurpose is not to impress or gain adulation. God’s will stand above all; whether or notwe proclaim it, His purpose will be fulfilled.
The core message here is to remain humble and not to elevate oneself. The aspirationfor mega churches, motivated by the prosperity associated with them, is not a calling foreveryone. Not all will attain such status, regardless of the methods employed. There iseven a risk of deception in the pursuit of such ambitions.
Some will continue as itinerant or bi-vocational ministers, and that is entirelyacceptable. Not all are called into full-time ministry. Unfortunately, some individuals,drawn by a perceived grace, have entered pastoral work without the dedication to studyand prove themselves as approved servants of God.
There is a mistaken belief that God will simply elevate the lazy or unsuccessful,endowing them with all the anointing necessary for ministry. This is not the case. EvenJesus chose disciples who were not failures or idle, and He spent years training thembefore commissioning them. Learning is vital, and it was this preparation that enabledthem to face opposition with confidence.
Today, moments of disgrace affect not only individuals, but the wider Church.Impatience among the youth leads them to chase after charismatic leaders, often at theexpense of genuine spiritual growth.
God continues to call people into fruitful ministries, but such fruitfulness comes fromwaiting on God and allowing Him to build the work. As Scripture says, “unless the Lordbuilds a house, the labourers labour in vain.” Many Christians feel frustrated when theirefforts do not bear visible results or align with their expectations.
God values humility, diligence in study, and truthfulness. Imitation—whether of others’anointing, manner of speech, or style of prayer—does not lead to genuine spiritualgrowth. Many so-called spiritual manifestations lack authentic transformative power fortheir practitioners and the church. God is not to be treated as an idol or entity to bemanipulated.
My heart is heavy concerning the state of our churches. My desire is not to profit fromothers’ labour or to coerce people into giving under the guise of “blessings” when trueblessings are not imparted.
Seek the Lord, for He alone exalts the humble. As we ordain more ministers this year, letus reflect on what has become of those previously ordained. Do not despise humblebeginnings; steady and faithful work will be honoured by God in due course. It is betterto be elevated by God than to raise oneself and risk being brought low.
Thank you. God bless you all.
