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HIDDEN IDENTITY

As children, most of us watched superhero cartoons. We would witness people with superhuman strength and abilities entrusted to stop evil and create a safer environment for city. Many of the superheroes had a separate identity among the public. (I never understood why the animators would do this because it would be a lot easier to for the superhero to remain ‘super’ all day, but I guess superheroes have to make a living too.) They could easier conceal their identity and no one could figure out who they were.

As Christians, we should not live in this manner. Jesus is calling us to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). We must allow our light to shine so that others may see our good works and praise our Father in Heaven.

Unfortunately, many of us hide our identity as Children of the Most High. We hide behind other characteristics that conceal our true identity. We display characteristics of anger, malice, sexual sins, robbery, lying, etc. No one would ever believe you were a Christian – even if you told them!

We cannot be like superheroes that hide their identity from the public. We must allow our TRUE identity to show at ALL times...

UTILITY BELT

Many superheroes have superpowers and others use man-made weapons and/or a utility belt to aid them in their quest. Likewise, Christians have been given a number of ‘abilities’ through Jesus Christ and ‘tools’ at their disposal to help them complete the mission God has placed upon their life:

*Please note that the areas below are more than ‘abilities’ and ‘tools.’ I only use the terms as metaphors. In addition, the topics and scriptures below are not exhaustive, only a short reference.

• Jesus Christ - (John 1:1-14; John 14:6; Colossians 1:3-23; Hebrews 1:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-17; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 3:18)
• Holy Spirit - (Matthew 10:17-20; John 3:5-7; John 16:13-14; Romans 8:18-27; 1 Corinthians 2)
• The Bible - (Psalm 119:9; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• Prayer - (Psalm 91:15; Psalm 119:170; Matthew 7:7-11; John 14:6; John 15:7; John 16:17-24; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; James 5:13-16)
• Fasting - (2 Chronicles 20:1-3; Nehemiah 9:1; Ezra 8:21-23; Daniel 10; Matthew 6:16-18; Mark 2:18-22)
• Fellow Christians - (Proverbs 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

What's currently on your utility belt? Do you use what God has provided for you?

SERVANTS OF THE PUBLIC

Dictionary.com lists one of the definitions of servant as one who serves others. When someone serves, there is usually no salary involved. If a salary or fee is given, it is usually in retrospect to the support one has given.

One of the problems the church faces is the servants of the Kingdom becoming very wealthy from the Gospel that was given to them for free (though it cost Jesus’ life). Millionaire Preachers - that's an oxymoron!

Whenever someone points out the wealth of preachers and teachers, some say these individuals have a right because Bible figures such as Abraham, Moses, Job, David, and Solomon had great wealth. Indeed this is true, but did they receive their money from promoting God? No.

Now, I know that a worker is due his wages (Luke 10:1-7; 1 Corinthians 9:14), but to what extent? This pattern is being duplicated across the country and around the world. Many Christians desire the wealth and extravagant living of 'Mega-ministry' preachers and follow their patterns of ‘greed’ in order to get it – even if they have to use the people God has placed within their care (1 Timothy 6:6-10). The preachers become millionaires while their congregants remain in poverty. We must become very careful to protect ourselves from the love of money and becoming a friend of the world.

Jesus says in Mark 10:42-44 (KJV) - But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

Unfortunately, many of the models we see in our ministries and churches today do not resemble the scripture above. They resemble the capitalistic business models within our society.

Here are a few additional statements from Jesus about money and possessions:

Luke 12:15 (KJV) - And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Matthew 6:24 (KJV) - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Mark 10:23-25 (KJV) - And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (read v.17-25 for context)

One thing we often miss in Mark 10:17-25 is that the rich man was following the law accordingly and had only needed to sell everything he had and give it to the poor in order to have treasure in heaven.  It seemed like an easy thing from the outside, but his treasure (and heart) was devoted to his possessions (Matthew 6:21). Where is your treasure?

We are giving too much allowance (and excuse) for those becoming wealthy from the Gospel – probably because we desire the same things. It is vital that we take a proper inventory of our hearts (and motives) and remove ourselves from the throngs of the ‘almighty’ dollar. We must place safeguards for ourselves and others that keep us in right standing before the Father. Though we cannot always see the motives of man, they will manifest at some point through the outpouring of the heart (Mark 7:20-23). 

Paul made a decision not to exercise his right to a ‘material harvest’ from the spiritual seeds he and Barnabas sown among the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 9:1-14). He did this so that the gospel would not be hindered. Today, the church and the Gospel have been hindered from such accusations and many have been turned from the faith or refused to hear it. Many unbelievers (and believers) stereotype preachers as hypocrites that want nothing more than their money. For many preachers, it’s not just a stereotype, it’s the truth!

God has entrusted to us His very Word. May all Christians begin to see what they can give, not what they will get in return. 

Who are you TRULY serving?