John 12:4-5 – Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, [5] Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
Complaining is one of the major hindrances to benefiting from the Pastoral Ministry. While reasoning the Word of God is at a level, complaining is a step higher than reasoning; it is the act of multiplying the impact of reasoning by verbalizing it. So, while reasonings are at the “thought” level, complaints are at the “word” level. In essence, when reasonings are not dealt with, they eventually graduate into complaints.
In the story that surrounds our opening Scriptures, we see how bitterly Judas Iscariot complained about the woman who broke her alabaster box of ointment to anoint Jesus’s feet. So, even though he suggested that the ointment should have been sold and the proceeds are given to the poor, we see that he did not make that suggestion because he really cared about the poor, but because he was more concerned about his selfish purpose to steal the money if that had been done. Likewise, many people who complain openly about things in the Church are usually more concerned about their personal benefits, than about the acclaimed subject of their complaint.
So, as believers who desire to see the body of Christ advance, we must abhor the habit of complaining. Let us instead, take up responsibility where we feel the need to fix things; or refer matters to the appropriate authorities to handle, rather than assuming the role of judges to judge and complain openly about matters, as Judas Iscariot did.
Prophecy 1: May every wrong seed not planted by my father in your heart be uprooted in Jesus’ name.
Prophecy 2: As you step out today, may nothing cause sorrow in your life in Jesus’ name.
Action Points
W: Are there things you are complaining about in your church? Ponder on today’s devotion and either report to the right authority or ask the Holy Spirit to help you to desist from such.
X: I decree and I declare that I find favor before all men today!
STUDY YOUR BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ZECHARIAH 11 & 12, MATTHEW 26, PSALMS 92.
Somalia
77% of its population is unreached with the Gospel of Christ with Islam as the major religion. An infant Somali Church is emerging amid great tribulation. Somali Christians are despised and heavily persecuted, even martyred, but are also growing in faith and in vision.
Y: We are praying, breaking every hold of Islam that has been keeping the people bound.
Startup Prayer: Dear Father, I pray that every word of God that I hear will benefit me in Jesus’ name.
