When we are born, we are totally self-centered and our parents make sure we have the necessities to cause us to grow. No one likes a crying baby. As we grow older, that self-centeredness remains until we experience unconditional, Agape Love. Once this happens, we begin to change the center of our existence and no longer view life with the same perspective and priorities. Many parents get a taste of Agape Love when their baby arrives and grandparents get that same experience when their grandchildren come forth. The greatest experience for us is when Jesus Christ comes into our lives and we are born again. Our whole focus in life begins to shift away from being self-centered to Christ-centered. This is easy for some and difficult for others for we all start the maturing process as though we are babes requiring much nurturing.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians chapter 1:
10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.”
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name.
16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
One issue that arises as we go through the re-centering process, is that of exalting men who are more knowledgeable of Bible Truths and facts. Isn’t this what happened in Paul’s corrective writing above? Whether intentional or not, the de facto elders of a group of like-minded believers have shifted the center of focus away from Christ onto themselves. Did that elder shed his blood for you? Could that elder’s blood and body bring forth salvation and healing? Less mature people exalt those of greater knowledge when the recipient fails to keep the emphasis on Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Those teachers and/or “prophets” often have a subtle agenda which revolves around money. They often compel you to support their ministry either by directly requesting it or by causing you to feel guilty if you don’t. In the meantime, the center of your attention slowly moves away from Christ to a totally inadequate substitute.
Paul was stern in his words concerning this situation. Those who have exalted men are making the cross of Christ of none effect in their lives. Attending someone’s meetings will not draw you closer to Christ. The anointing and FATHER’S directives are found in one-on-one time with HIM. Our focus and purpose is to point you toward a deeper relationship with FATHER through Our Lord Jesus Christ and be led by The Holy Spirit, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
As we become Christ-centered, we become mature Sons and Daughters. It will not occur if we attend some meeting on some special day, thinking that the anointing of Heaven will somehow fall on us and change us into fully mature believers. I encourage fellowship when it Is truly Christ-centered rather than standing in line to hear someone give his educated (and often perceived superior, witty, funny, etc.) view of life. I would rather fellowship with a person who hears directly from FATHER and has a single relevant Word for the day then to hear hours of teaching discussing topics which contain no anointing from Heaven. No matter what state of maturity that person is, I want to hear what FATHER is telling or showing them. They may have the one Word spoken to them by FATHER I need to hear that day!
We must not exalt one person over another in our daily lives. Jesus Christ is the One Whom we are to exalt and as we become Christ-centered in our walk, we will see people in a much different light. We will no longer “mis-judge” people but see them as FATHER sees them.