As a businessman, medical practitioner, and member of the Full Gospel and Church of God Mission International Incorporated, I never aspired to be a pastor or a preacher. My intention was to support pastors and ministries financially. However, I found myself being called to serve in ways I had not anticipated. Whether it was a missed call or a direct call from God, I accepted the role of a casual laborer for Christ, despite not being the most pleasant or gentle preacher.
The Shift in Focus:
When I started my journey, my focus was on raising youths and making a covenant with God to help me become wealthy so I could support ministries and alleviate the distress of others. I promised to raise one million Africans who would preach the word of God with power, intelligence, and wealth. But as time went on, I noticed a disturbing trend in the church – the quest for popularity overshadowing the mission of Christ.
The Problem with Popularity:
In our quest for popularity, we have strayed from the simplicity and humility that Jesus embodied. Unlike many modern preachers who advertise themselves with fancy suits and grand images, Jesus moved quietly, often telling those he healed not to spread the word about him. He focused on the message, not the messenger. This stark contrast highlights the current depravity where the church often lifts up personalities rather than Christ.
I recall an instance at a church in Kaduna where I was not given the respect typically accorded to a guest speaker, possibly because I arrived without a convoy or a retinue of assistants. Yet, this experience reinforced my belief that it is not about how we appear, but about the substance of our message and the integrity of our actions.
The Modern Church’s Deviation:
Today’s church has become enamored with banners showcasing preachers’ faces and lavish lifestyles, leading to a form of spiritual entertainment rather than genuine worship. This focus on sensationalism has resulted in a generation of half-baked Christians who are more fans of men than followers of Christ.
Spectacular claims of miracles and exaggerated testimonies have become tools for gaining attention rather than spreading the true gospel. We see young men and women striving to showcase their anointing and uniqueness, often leading to a superficial and unsustainable faith.
Returning to Simplicity:
I encourage my fellow preachers and believers to embrace the simplicity of the gospel. Jesus saves, He is our Messiah, and He is our deliverer. The emphasis should be on the transformative power of His message, not on our personal grandeur or miraculous claims.
In my ministry, I aim to build capacity and spread the simple gospel. I avoid the limelight, turning down interviews and public appearances to focus on the work at hand. Popularity is a burden, and craving it can lead us astray. Let’s return to the humble and genuine pursuit of God’s work.
Final Thoughts:
As we navigate this journey of faith, let us be wary of the allure of popularity and remain steadfast in our true calling. We should not seek to elevate ourselves but to lift up the name of Jesus in all we do.
God bless you.
