NEXT

The current Christian fad in Charismaniac circles is to run to and fro across the earth looking for someone who has some special anointing that can be transferred to them. The "Lakeland Revival" is the latest excuse for Christians to not do what we are called to do: make disciples. Another preacher who had been crowned "king" by a number of big name pastors has bitten the dust.

It seems Christians are very unhappy with living life as a child of God in simplicity without desiring a king or superstar to talk about and/or follow after.

Little wonder, when lots of big name preachers want to get on the bandwagon of endorsing the next guy with the "hot" hands. The point for them is to maintain their groupies and financial support by vicariously being next to the "ONE".

The opposite is just as true. Those key leaders that can discern what is not of God are also motivated by maintaining their groupies and supporters because they are able to show their keen discernment and therefore are entitled to financial support as well.
It's nice being the guy that can say, "See, I told you so!"

It's ok for new believers to seek out mature ones (elders) to help them discern something but when the people asking for advice have been Christians for more than a few years that is more a sign of failure in discipleship.

It seems that leaders from both sides of the discerning process gain fame and fortune whenever there is a "spectacular" move of God.

It's not much different than sports writers making a living by denouncing the likes of a Barry Bonds or singing the praises of Michael Phelps.

Why do preachers talk about miracles that are somewhat associated with their ministries? "Giving God the glory" is the smug, I mean spiritual, response. It may start out that way, but it sure is nice to have those endorsements for their own fame and fortune as well.

It amazes me that we are surprised by the next failure that happens, considering the amount of temptation that Christians put on the person they have crowned. It seems to me that King David did much better as a shepherd boy than he did as king.

People want a king: the one who can discern for them and give them a tingly feeling. Seriously, why were people "concerned" about Lakeland? What did it matter in their little circle of friends within their hometown? Instead of focusing on caring for those around them, they have to discuss what is of God or not of God in the supposedly "big" things that are happening far away.

Jesus said we are to take on the role of a servant. No position. Nothing worth looking at.

Take the motivation of money and fame out of the equation and let's see who's left in the ranks of discerning servant/leaders.

The gifts that God has given his body is for the express purpose of equipping every believer for the work of the ministry. Not getting them attached to someone who "hears" from God.

The reality is that if everyone understood the value of caring for and discipling just two others we could change the world.

There are no kings if you only care for two people. There is definitely no money in it either.

I wrote about this a week or so ago in a blog I titled, "Exponential Growth or Follow the Leader".

As long as we continue to focus on telling great testimonies that only serve to puff up and endorse some "great" leader, we are condemned to the oft repeated cycle of looking for the "NEXT" Lakeland fiasco to endorse or denounce.