Beware of the spirit of Offense!

[Henry & Vera Epps]

Hebrews 12:14,"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the Grace of God; and no root of bitterness springs up and cause trouble, and by many become defiled." The spirit of offense or bitter root. Recently I was talking to a minister and he was claiming he was not being reconized by his pastor and that he worked closely with the pastor and he saw his many flaws. I listen to his argument about why he should not just step out and go and start his own ministry. He felt that he was wiser then the pastor, and that he was a better leader. He felt the pastor did not teach enough about this subject, and that subject and this minister was very angry! He was very Offended! And he was very self-rightous in his own eyes. The Bible warns us that a fool is wise in his own eyes! Why? Because as he was talking I thought about how unfaithful this man was in the ministry, and how puffed up he really was. He said he was a male chavanist and he did not believe woman should be doing many of the things that God is calling them to do. Now this Super Apostle speaks like he is smarter than his pastor, and smarter than God. That is the bait of the devil, that is where he gets us in our pride. The heart of the matter is pride. Offense comes from a selfish, spirit of pride, and it is easy to see it in others but never oursleves. So many good men and woman are leaving their churches and starting others just to grow to 2-10 members and never no more. Once you start that ministry out of pride and offense, than the same thing will happen to you. some young preacher will come in and support you until he thinks he can do it better than you! We must humble ourselves support our leaders to the best of our ability and wait on the lord to rise us up. Put the devil to shame and work harder for your leader, don't gossip and wait on the lord, and in due season he will give you wings as an eagle and you will go further than you ever dream. Resist the devil and he will flee, and your tommorrow you will be a great success in the Lord, be bless and we love you!