READ: Matthew 10:16-17
«But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.» - John 2:24-25«Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.» Matthew 10:16
There is a law we may describe as the law of «snake wisdom». We have been sent forth as sheep in the midst of wolves.
This law speaks of the importance and wisdom of privacy, confidentiality, and secrecy in ministry. It is fatally deficient wisdom to expose all that you are and all that you have to everyone. Once you are in the ministry, never believe that the world loves or accepts you. Assume that you are disliked, disbelieved, disregarded and disrespected by the world, its journalists and its politicians.
Another law is the law of wariness of men.
«But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;» Matthew 10:17
«Beware of men» are the words of Jesus to His disciples. He did not even say we should beware of devils. More harm can come to a minister through men than you imagine. A minister who makes close friends of worldly politicians and journalists may be setting himself up for an unpleasant experience. Pastors are simply not respected by worldly business people. Many of these businessmen see ministers as crooks. They just humour us and put up with us because they have to and because we sometimes give them good business. Beware of people who do not love you! Beware of men!
Related Topics : Dag Heward-Mills,
