5 Smooth Stones

apostolic minister is the desire that Christ would be formed in His people (Galatians 4:19). How on earth - or in heaven - can one assist Christ being formed in His people if Christ’s character is not fi rst being formed in the minister? Could Paul say, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ,” (1 Corinthians 11:1) if he were not imitating Him closely? Jesus said simply, concerning disciples and ministers, that we could know them by their fruit. Many who look fi rst for supernatural power and the fruit which appeared to accompany that power, often overlook some poor character traits in those same ministers. Over time, and through a lot of hard won learning, it should be noted that a lot of the supposed fruit does not remain, and also some of what seems to be fruit is not spiritually nutritious at all. After seeking the Lord on this question, for a way to discern much more quickly the fruit in a ministry, and not have to expend so much time in the process or often experience so much hurt and disappointment, the following became apparent. In contemplating Jesus’ words, “you will know them by their fruit” a seeming dilemma appears, yet only if looking at the fruit from the ministry, rather than the fruit from the minister. There is an important di ff erence. Paul said, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsu ff ering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) We should realize that we can look for these a tt ributes in the minister’s life and spend a lot less time deciding if we should submit one’s heart to the ministry. A lot less time can be spent in disappointment brought by a minister who might take advantage, or lead in a wrong direction. Simply do not submit to a ministry where the character of Christ is not more clearly exempli fi ed than any other a tt ributes. It is not that a minister cannot be from God if they are not exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, but that there is much less chance of disappointment where the fruit of the spirit is openly apparent within the minister 7 . Perfection is not a requirement for an apostle or any other minister, they must only be in the process of being perfected. However, the character must be a foundation for the signs, and the signs are no replacement for the character, this is especially true for apostles. Choosing to disassociate from arrogant, self-promoting, controlling people, and other works of the fl esh can be a greater blessing in the long run and lead to growth and understanding. Learn to love to associate with the humble, to be with those who promote Christ, and boast in the Lord, and glory in their own weaknesses.

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