Scales of Justice Rooted in Love Many called up to minister have not been properly discipled, so we must consider the word "restore." It would be beneficial to all, not to restore to ministry in any capacity, if we don’t know where people who have "practiced" sin are in their walk, no matter how great the gift. To use them would be an injustice to them, and I believe, is a great test for fathers and mothers in Christ. In the Old Testament, leaders caught people in the “act" and there were eyewitnesses, much like our judicial system here in America. You're innocent until proven guilty, and must have eyewitnesses or solid evidence (in most cases) to prove your case. New Testament believers now have the Holy Spirit. We don’t judge by the sight of the eye, but by the Spirit. He—Holy Spirit, judges a thing through us. I have witnessed false words coming out of individuals, in the Name of the Lord, and have warned as the Spirit has made it known to me. I'm sure many have given warnings, but honestly, ministries can't believe and trust every "word" sent to them. Also, leaders may already have their minds made up, due to the charisma these individuals possess (or various other reasons). Praying over these "words" that come in, and seeking the Lord in a multitude of counsel, is where safety is (for all). We must trust, in due time, the Lord reveals Truth as His Body covers in love and prayer. I believe due to immaturity and intense pressure (from leaders and the congregation) put upon these to perform, sadly, these things occur. When these things occur, it’s up to the fathers and mothers to give “a time out” to get His Children proper teaching and training (if truly desired). Some may have awesome gifts, but Fruit of the Spirit based in Love, is how things grow and mature. Then the gifts will be released in His Love, from The Tree of Life. Otherwise, pride comes in and there’s a great fall, and His sheep scatter. This greatly grieves the Father's Heart. Many know about Him, but don't truly know Him (intimately). This is the seed of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, that puffs up and is self-serving. Anointed equippers can release the fragrance of intimacy and True Love, and help steer His Children towards the "Secret Place," where they abide in Him, and not their gifts and callings. Some "grew up" differently than the Scriptures teach, so we must fear the Lord and be patient in knowing, we're all going and growing. Jesus spent day and night for 3 years with His disciples, teaching, training, and being. They did miss it, and some missed it big (like we all have), but there seemed to be remorse, and we don’t see them “practicing” the same sin again and again intentionally. Fruit reveals this in time. No one can cause a remorseful heart. This comes not because you're caught, but because you’ve broken the heart of God—The One Who suffered, died, and paid the price you owed, on the cross. Just because someone graduates from Bible college or is given a preaching assignment at a young age, or is radically born again, does not mean they have been properly discipled. We must ask questions and discern actions before and even after a fall occurs. Are they pierced when convicted? Do they blame others and not take ownership of their wrongdoing (which is true remorse). Do they give partial truths? Are they willing to turn aside to Him and allow Him minister to them (to be discipled and equipped Biblically)? Do they have experiential knowledge? This can be called, "Fruit Motive." Fruit of The Tree of Life or fruit of The Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil—Self life (Matthew 16:25-27). When you're truly abiding in the Vine, the Holy Spirit Sword of Conviction is driven into your heart, piercing it through with deep sorrow. Not only deep sorrow, but great humility is associated with this piercing. Anyone who has truly experienced this, is not likely to quickly step back into their place, in the same way as before. Immaturity seems to be a running thread in many of these situations, and may be the biggest culprit in these falls. Not ever to say, they couldn’t answer the high upward call in Christ, He’s ordained for them from the foundation of the world (Psalm 139:16), if properly trained. Teaching is different than training. Discipling is like parenting! Perseverance, endurance, patience, and love is required, which should always be done unto the Lord. "Go therefore...!" If a minister has been properly discipled Biblically and falls (unintentionally), we are to help restore such a one back. If a minister has never been truly Biblically discipled, and is found "practicing" sin intentionally (1 John 3:4-10), but has great gifts and calling, we must not restore back. We must then ask, restore back to what—immaturity, so a worse fall for them (and others) comes (Matthew 12:45)? We must discern by the Spirit to make this distinction. This is why there's safety in a multitude of counsel. The disciples met daily and discussed and taught many things together (Acts 2:46). Fathers and mothers in the Body must see that these are properly discipled and tested in experiential knowledge, before "inviting" them up (Proverbs 25:6-7). The gifts are irrevocable (Romans 11:29), but these ministers should welcome teaching and training from the "Foundation" of the world, first. Not to say, they must be older or that they'll never miss it after being properly discipled, but their close relationship developed with the Lord, that “parents" helped steward, may keep them from "practicing" sin. When your children go off, you can't hold their hand, but if you train them up in THE WAY they should go, they will never depart (Proverbs 22:6). In 1 Corinthians 5, there were faithful believers giving a report to Paul. Paul was not there but believed the report (discerned). Again, there is safety in a multitude of counsel (Proverbs 11:4). Not all practicing sin has to result in being handed over to Satan, but we must keep in mind that Paul's intention (and others) was to serve (in Love), this individual practicing sin, also. Paul's goal was to confront the man's sin, encourage repentance, and insure his eternal Salvation. Paul's action was also meant to protect the Church from the man's dangerous intentions. Paul never promoted criticism. His scales of Justice were based on Love. On the other hand, those who practice sin and are immature, may be counseled to lay down "their ministry" and become Biblically discipled and equipped by mature "parents." Some have come out of traditional teachings and "measuring rods" formed by man (through generations), and this is why True Biblical teaching and parenting is vital. The scriptures speak about having your own home in order—in order to lead others (1Timothy 3:4-5). This scripture is referring to overseers, and we wouldn't want anybody laying hands on anyone, if we don't know their spiritual state. Years back, we were blessed to have some faithful fathers and mothers disciple us, both in person and through the written word. I loved (and love) and treasured (treasure) those teachings, and always will. I thank God the Spirit beckoned me to His Heart early in my walk, and taught me from the beginning. This Communion (Koinonia) most of all, caused me to be "Concrete in Christ" and lean upon Him, when fathers and mothers fell (fall). This actually presents a beautiful opportunity to sow (prayers and love) into fallen lives, so they may one day be a healthy Part of His Holy Body. In a vision many years ago, I saw Jesus in a wheelchair, due to His Body being twisted up and greatly atrophied. We must, for His sake, cover in Love and pray, so He will have a healthy Body presented to Him. We didn't have many schools back then close enough to attend or that were affordable, and internet was not an option. Today, there are wonderful Spirit filled schools with mature leaders, that disciple, equip, and offer online services. We must be watchful not to give the car keys too early, but make sure they steer well! I pray, not because we can continue to use these in ministry, but we will do what’s best for them and the Body of Christ. God sees our hearts in desperately wanting people healed, delivered, and ministered to. As we obey Him and His leading, we must have faith, knowing He can use anyone and anything to minister—even a donkey. Let’s help one another get Our House in order. He sees our hearts and wants us to pass these tests so the greater works will come, as we dwell safely in His House together.

Posted by sowingclub at 2025-01-23 18:00:54 UTC