I want us to have a serious conversation. It’s something that’s been on my mind, and I feel it needs to be addressed. When Jesus was performing miracles, He often instructed people not to broadcast them. In the case of the man at the Pool of Bethesda, who had been there for years, Jesus healed him and quietly disappeared. Many others whom He healed were told to keep it quiet. But today, we seem to have turned things upside down.
Why is it that whenever something happens in our ministries—whether a miracle or an event—we feel the urge to immediately broadcast it on television, YouTube, or TikTok? What are we looking for with this rush to publicize everything? When did our ministries turn into a show?
I have a particular concern with a testimony that was shared recently, where someone claimed that an angel was showing them what to write in an exam. Let me ask: since when did angels start aiding in examination malpractice? This is a dangerous narrative, and I must ask, what are we really looking for when we promote such testimonies? Are we now using angels to justify dishonesty in our society?
God will surely ask me one day, “Dr. Apoki, so angels now help Nigerians cheat in exams?” What are we doing? What message are we sending out? As pastors, as ministers, we have to be careful about the kind of testimonies we share, especially when we don’t take the time to reflect on the impact these stories might have.
Let me be blunt: this generation of pastors, including myself, needs to be cautious. If something truly miraculous happens, people will naturally go out and share it with their families, friends, and neighbors. They don’t need us to broadcast it for them. But we seem to have lost sight of that. Instead, we want to put everything in the limelight, seeking glory for ourselves rather than for God. Is that fair?
What are we really looking for? Is it fame, recognition, or validation? Whatever it is, it’s leading us down a dangerous path. We risk dragging the name of the Lord through the mud with our unchecked testimonies and sensationalism. We must remember to stay grounded, humble, and true to the Gospel.
I leave you with this thought, my fellow ministers: let us be careful about what we share, and let us always aim to protect the integrity of our faith.
God bless you.
