LETTERS TO YOUNG MINISTERS’ 11
DEAR MINISTER, AS MUCH AS YOU READ PAUL, DO WELL TO READ SOLOMON ALSO
A long time ago, I knew a guy with so much grace, anointing, giftings and a sure call of God. He taught with simplicity and audacity. He was a genius in analyzing the Pauline epistles, he knew scriptures but today he is no longer in ministry. Yes, because revelation is not enough.
He lacked discretion, he lacked wisdom and he was bereft of practical knowledge. He didn’t bother to know about pride, he didn’t learn about honour, he wasn’t trained to discern the ways of the lustful woman. Yes, when fame came, so came the ladies; as he became known, so pride rose. Certain things don’t answer to quoting scriptures, no they need solid decisions to guide against them.
God has not only given us the words that speak to us of the NEW LIFE in Christ, He has given us a complete manual to victorious living — the Bible. Don’t just read the epistles, read all of it and be a doer of it. The same Paul that wrote the Epistles was well learned in all the law and the books of wisdom — it goes without saying that his choices, styles and ways were guided and grounded by wisdom. He didn’t only know Christ, He lived wisely. Our Christianity must show good choices, character and manners.
We must learn to live as Paul said, circumspectly, ‘Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise.’ Eph 5:15 (NIV). It is wise not to be the treasurer of your ministry. It is wise not to visit a lady late into the night. It is wise not to cast out demons alone with the opposite sex — so you be not casted out.
I don’t subscribe to blowing tongues, when walking would do a better job. I don’t subscribe to quoting scriptures when a simple ‘No’ would avert evil. I don’t subscribe to faith and arrogant attitude when simply submitting and listening will preserve you. I don’t subscribe to prayers when you could have lived wisely. This year you must receive wisdom.
Dear Minister, do you think of Solomon as only the guy with the many women? No. He was equipped with wisdom by God. Daily doses of his writings will keep you away from foolishness and regrets.
Have you found these scriptures in his books?
“DO NOT HASTEN IN YOUR SPIRIT TO BE ANGRY, FOR ANGER RESTS IN THE BOSOM OF FOOLS.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 NKJV
“WHEN PRIDE COMES, THEN COMES SHAME; BUT WITH THE HUMBLE IS WISDOM.” Proverbs 11:2 NKJV
“TO KEEP YOU FROM THE EVIL WOMAN, FROM THE FLATTERING TONGUE OF A SEDUCTRESS. DO NOT LUST AFTER HER BEAUTY IN YOUR HEART, NOR LET HER ALLURE YOU WITH HER EYELIDS. FOR BY MEANS OF A HARLOT A MAN IS REDUCED TO A CRUST OF BREAD; AND AN ADULTERESS WILL PREY UPON HIS PRECIOUS LIFE. CAN A MAN TAKE FIRE TO HIS BOSOM, AND HIS CLOTHES NOT BE BURNED? CAN ONE WALK ON HOT COALS, AND HIS FEET NOT BE SEARED?” Proverbs 6:24–28 NKJV
So, what is my admonition to you, as you read Paul, read Solomon, it will keep you from many vices. Someone says the Holy Spirit teaches and guides me, I say why not live by the word, why not stay in the word, and why not let the word instruct you. It is simple and safe.
I pray for you, may foolishness be far from you, and may men see that your spirituality is helping you make wise decisions daily. For wearing the toga of spirituality and making foolish decisions is an absolute anomaly. Spiritual folks must live wisely.
This is my 11th Letter to you, and I hope it helps you get FURTHER in navigating purpose and you do all you can to advance this year. Grace to you!
Your Greatness is Assured
Fisayo Adeniyi
#PFA