Nougat 6

A minister’s lack of freedom within a congregation is an example of misleading theologies that have been circulating in many Christian spaces recently. Some might think it stems from Paul’s comment about God’s plans for apostles. But was that truly what Paul meant in that context, and should it hold for us today? Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

1 Corinthians 4:9-10 CEVDCI

[9] It seems to me that God has put us apostles in the worst possible place. We are like prisoners on their way to death. Angels and the people of this world just laugh at us.

[10] Because of Christ we are thought of as fools, but Christ has made you wise. We are weak and hated, but you are powerful and respected.

Persecuted in Ministry

Siblings, being involved in full-time ministry isn’t always easy. There are times it takes everything I’ve got. In my case, I’ve served in ‘Christian countries’, where political leaders maintain some affiliation with the Christian faith. In that regard, I have escaped the horrors of political threats to the ministry. I would even say that I’ve never faced persecution in the public arena.

But, I have heard horror stories. We may have heard of the German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoffer, who opposed the Nazi regime based on his faith and was executed for it. There’s also Oscar Romero, assassinated in El Salvador for God’s defence of the poor and outspoken views against his government. Of course, some females are among them including Gracia Burnham, a woman from the Philippines who withstood the militant forces, and managed to survive; and Manche Masemola, a South African teenager murdered by her parents for her steadfastness to the faith early in the 20th century. We cannot forget the Chibook girls and countless others who’ve been persecuted for their faith in Nigeria.

Self-Check

How do we respond on hearing of martyrs (of the Christian faith)?

Digging Deeper

Yet, Paul isn’t speaking of such public martyrs. His analogy of being in ministry as being sentenced to death refers to ordinary work in, with, and for the church. He is directing the accusation with respect to the Corinthian congregation, not the Roman government or ‘heathen’ Gentiles. What we’ve read indicates that it is related to the comparison between himself and Apollos. Yet, his later reprimand on the Lord’s Supper and his hymn on love suggest that there is more to the story. Whatever is at its root, Paul’s exposed that his ministry feels as threatened as one on Death Row.

I’ve been on either side of that comparison. There were times as a younger believer when my actions were less than exemplary toward spiritual leaders. Perhaps that’s what I earned after ordination. The fact is, when we consciously persecute other saints – pastors or otherwise – because of their ministry, we have placed them on death row.

Without trying to justify anyone’s behaviour, I’m not suggesting that we cannot note another believer’s flaws. The Bible offers a process to address such issues when they arise. I’m speaking of defamation of character, silencing, and humiliation out of spite and intent to hurt or embarrass. Moreso if the person is ordained. It cannot be justified by saying the Bible says ‘you are not free’. Let’s opt to be agents of support and reconciliation to leaders in the faith.

Point to Ponder

How might we support others who are on ‘death row’ because of other believers?

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May all we seek be found in Christ