Even in the body of Christ, we find many factions. Some want to belong to Apollos. Others Paul. What I write about today isn’t a belonging debate however – but a way of doing things. We still fight about hip hop in the house of God: that it is satanic. That rap is of the devil. We forget that God did not create blacks or whites alone. There’s those in between, and then the browns, and so on: a parable of variety; meaning, the possibility of having rap lovers within the church will be high as well. And so, if a rapper has decided to profess only Christian rap music, we still fail to appreciate that, and we condemn them, and even the devil is wiser; for in doing so, we become a kingdom divided: it will not stand.
Paul said that let him that eats (any food) not condemn one who does not. Or let him that does not eat (a particular type of food) condemn he who does. If I’m quoting this out of context, let it be known to you dear reader, that is the statement God told me when I fell prey of that condemnation.
Recently via Instagram, I have been seeing reels of young men working out – sweating profusely, and yet having scriptures in the foreground of the video. (Those who love this topic, please do not feel attacked. All will come to light shortly) Across the videos would spring phrases like ‘I can do all things through Christ’, ‘Have you worked out today? Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and that temple needs maintenance’, ‘God already validated you. So you don’t need to seek it. You are already valuable…’
… Hallelujah God already validated me. Thank you for that reminder, but the message was being drowned by the visuals being displayed. You see the caption was saying that, but the video wasn’t reconciling with the affirming words. The athlete was rather getting shirtless, exposing his jacked v-shaped back.
I won’t go into other details, as the other influencers I’ve found, follow the same template. The words might be uplifting, but the photos or videos seem out of sync; evoking somewhat other emotions or thoughts. Personally, if I am to confess, I have found that the flesh is more edified: ascending at the sight of these – and perhaps I do not get to appreciate the full motivation because my natural disposition is slim; well as others could find inspiration.
Amidst all this, I blamed my thoughts’ straying on these videos; I condemned them — saying they cause me to sin and covet! But I was not seeing from the bigger picture. For that God rebuked me. Jesus said a man isn’t defiled by anything from without, but what’s within his heart. That made me question the state of my heart. Even James said God can’t tempt us, but our own desires. And these desires then drive us to conceive sin, and sin death.
Just as the earlier example, God reminded me that there are Christians who are equally passionate about fitness, and yet in love with Him too. Obviously they won’t stand on a pulpit as usual preachers, and yet they too desire to advance the kingdom. Others who love fitness only, would receive ministration & hear the gospel when they come to watch these reels as they scroll through…
I am an author, and I write about God, but if another Christian writes fiction or detective novels that don’t point back to God, I should not ‘condemn a man who eats not.’ Who knows if when the profits come that that man or woman doesn’t give towards the needy, or a heavenly cause?
Just because people might not do things your way, doesn’t mean God is not in their endeavors or doesn’t approve of them.
“Yes, the athletes might ‘stumble’ you, but they won’t stop that ‘content.’ Stop watching them if you want to; but they could be preaching to someone else out there whose passion is fitness. I won’t stop using them because you feel offended. And maybe, just like Paul was assigned to the gentiles, you’ll find no grace receiving from them if you are a Jew; for the one who was assigned to preach to you was Peter!”
This was all a hard pill to swallow o dear reader.
On my end however, or yours, it’d be a test: seeking the employment of fruits of the Holy Spirit such as self-control and humility. One once posted that we were all created in God’s image. I commented, ‘what’s God’s image exactly?’
Its intention was to prove that I was ‘deeper’ and more theologically profound than him, and though he replied kindly (God bless you Austin), God shook His head at me and reminded me to be humble; that he’d use anyone to reach whoever He wanted, and that he’d use anyone’s bespoke story to minister to anyone.
First of all, we must even be grateful that there are men not only passionate about their hobbies, but are more open and even not ashamed to be associated with God in such an ungodly eon… We pray ‘let your kingdom come’ but as it comes, we prove stumbling blocks!
Get out of the way judge and focus on preparing your own way for the Lord; making it far straight!
(Epilogue)
So once again, I repent; and applaud them. God even searched my heart and candidly pointed out that I was jealous; because these guys had more followers than I; one had over 600k! That means he reaches thousands more than I with only 2000!
“So let me use those with more as yours grow.” God bade me farewell coldly with a one-off patting on my shoulder.
That was my narrative, and yours could be different. You might not understand or like the other ways God would be ministering to many out there. Some old people hate the fact that youth use their ‘analog’ bibles less, and their digital more, but God won’t pity their hate of technology or ignorance. If He can reach the youth whose phones rarely leave their palms, He’ll take the chances.
In all of this, focus more on your own ministry or race – you as you – as opposed to seeking out the specks in others’ eyes. Sometimes this (pharasee-tical seeking to justify or judge) is a distraction off our individual mandates by the enemy. If God seeks to correct a person He wishes, He’ll do so. I sent myself as a corrector, and like Daniel when he was told to shut the book, God plainly pointed out that there was no one to correct but me: treading paths He hadn’t instructed me to. (Remember self-control and humility?)
I pray for you – who’s reading this, that God makes your purpose in life so clear that you’ll find yourself in God’s perfect will for you, instead of fighting your very own fellow kingdom advancers and tribe; as the enemy is one, and it is not them…
I’ll close with Paul’s words to the Romans:
Romans 14:1-4 Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him judge whether they are right or wrong. And with the Lord’s help, they will do what is right and will receive his approval.(NLT)
A kingdom divided cannot stand!
If you eat meat, or have delight in pork, don’t condemn the vegan! They are not the enemy.
Biggie's Big Blogs 