WE HAVE TO DIE
An example of an apostle who succeeded in duplicating himself was Paul to Timothy. Indeed, this is Paul’s ‘success’ to ensure the movement continues. This is what is often missing in the current ‘movement’ the absence of successors. Paul did not only became a movement figure, but he raised a successor who was exactly the same like himself.
This was not only Paul’s testimony to Timothy, but also the testimony of many people to Timothy. They saw Paul in Timothy. Timothy must learn to get used to the way people think of him, and not be ashamed of it. That’s normal thing.
2 Timothy 1:8 (NIV) So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
The problem with the current movement is that there are many people who follow movement figures with other tendencies and motivations. Many have the intention to hitchhike to be ‘popular’. Especially in the current condition of the social media era, popularity is a thing many people are looking for. In short, ‘they’re looking for profit’ at least they get a glimmer of spotlight!
This is the reason why movement cannot be sharply directed, even though WE HAVE TO ‘DIE’ There is no ambition or desire whatsoever, not even a ‘desire to be used by God’ is no longer allowed to exist. It doesn’t mean that we have no direction, rather we empty ourselves completely to be filled only by the will of the Father!
Many who join the movement seek a platform, they are not willing to place movement figures to keep on being the center of attention. As a result, they only take something from movement figures for themselves, their ministry, and set up their big name.
This is very dangerous, because one day they are the ones who will open the door for other teachings to enter into the life of the congregation! Paul commanded such people to be rebuked and disciplined by Timothy!
1 Timothy 1:3-7 (NIV) As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
The greatest movement at the end of this era belongs to God, but God asks us to be responsible for guarding people of the movement from the people who ‘don’t want to die’ and have the intention of becoming famous, popular, and well-known.
Enough is enough! This is the time for us to ‘die’ and function like Timothy who emptied himself and united with Paul as a movement figure. He was not looking for popularity, but he had the purity to only function without wanting to seek in vain praises. This is what we should do so that we experience God’s sovereign hand in raising up the body of Christ and demonstrating His own sovereignty (Philippians 2).
Ps. Steven Agustinus
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