Acts 16:1-2: “ Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold a certain disciple was there named TIMOTHY, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.”
“HE WAS WELL SPOKEN OF BY THE BRETHREN who were at Lystra and Iconium.
Timothy was not yet a pastor, neither was he on any platform, he was just a disciple with strength of character. God is big on integrity. You can’t trade anointing for a good character. An anointed man with bad reputation is a disaster waiting to happen.
When Deacons were to be chosen in the early church, good reputation preceded speaking in tongues as a prerequisite. Acts 6:3: “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of GOOD REPUTATION, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
So you have seen pictures of yourself leading thousands…How do you handle the six people committed into your care? What’s your reputation with money? How do you handle relationships? How do you feel when you are asked to be led by others even when you feel you are better? How do you respond to corrections? So you can preach but you have been asked to sit and learn. Do you react or learn in humility? So you no longer take notes in church cos you feel you share better ‘Revs’????
God will intentionally take you through processes that will mature you and build strength of character in you.Service is the major platform you will have these experiences.
He will test your faithfulness in little. He would cause men to ride over you…These things will mature your character, hence you will emerge a finer minister, well equipped for the master’s use.You may not be there yet but you must be a work in progress.
Timothy was about to meet the man that would open the portals of ministry and his destiny fulfillment to him but his integrity took the lead? Everyone had something good to say about him. Yet he had no title or position, he was just a disciple.
What can people say about you? What’s your testimony within your local church and even without? Don’t put up apppearances for people to maintain their perception of you, if there is an area you need to work on, acknowledge and seek the help of the Holy Spirit. Don’t cover faults with titles. You will definitely get better.
Have you discerned the call? Stop looking for platforms, build integrity. Serve faithfully.
May you fulfill your ministry in Jesus name.
