My People Are Too Proud of Their Words - John Moore sundaycreek@midrivers.com Sun, Jul 25, 1999, 12:09 AM This morning I was in an email conversation with a Texas pastor discussing how many pastors are vocally in favor of the five-fold ministry but few know how to implement it. As I rose from my desk the Lord spoke this phrase to me: "My people are too proud of their words." He continued to show me how pastors are reluctant to sacrifice their Sunday morning sermons even though this act of sacrifice could facilitate a great moving of the Holy Spirit. "Remember Abraham," the Lord said. "He greatly desired a son but he did not hesitate to offer him up as a sacrifice for he trusted in One greater than himself." Pastors must be willing to sacrifice their beloved words and do so laughingly. Undue pride in their message constitutes idolatry. "And the prophets, too." The Lord said. "They selfishly cling to their revelations and defend themselves if questioned, forgetting that that My Son did not revile or defend himself on the cross." The Spirit instructed me that it is not such a great honor to be a prophetic people if being prophetic means merely speaking out. "It is better to be a hearer than a speaker," the Spirit said. Some messages, be it to a pastor or a prophet, are meant only for that pastor of prophet. Too many covet attention, believing if their word is received their walk is validated. Undue desire to be accepted constitutes idolatry. And finally, the teachers (I was given nothing for apostles or evangelists). The Lord impressed upon me that the teachers are too eager to be published. By becoming a published author they deceive themselves into thinking they have become an authority. "Of the writing of books, there is no end," the Spirit said. "It is better to be a listener than a writer." Undue desire to be noticed constitutes idolatry. As I meditated on this, knowing my own guilt in all of the roles above, the Lord warned that we all must be watchful of the sin of taking pride in ministry. Yet, the Lord was gracious to show that He loves His pastors, prophets, teachers, and writers. He simply desires that all would learn to work together. "Teach the children to share," He said.   John L. Moore sundaycreek@midrivers.com http://www.johnlmoore.com