"POISONING THE MISSION FIELD OF THE KINGDOM"

Mary Lindow

It is really rather amazing that any of us are ever really useful the Lord
when we begin to examine the "secret sins" that are active in our lives,
sometimes in our ministries, and in the way the bride of the King has
presented herself.

HEAR THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT WITH YOUR SPIRIT FIRST...
...THEN WITH YOUR MIND.

I say this because if not discerned and embraced by the spirit first…
...the soul will immediately defend itself and bluster and spit in shock that
anyone might imply that is has the stated problem!

"ARROGANCE IS A DISEASE THAT MAKES EVERYONE SICK...
... EXCEPT THE ONE WHO HAS IT!"

IN THIS MODERN AGE OF, "IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU BABY"
… …ARROGANCE IS ALMOST APPLAUDED AS A SUPER TALENT TO SUCCESS!

Politicians boast of their greatness to lead, TV personalities shred other
individuals on live Programs and, sadly, many who have claimed to be
"servants" of the Lord have competed, slandered, and have positioned
themselves as "the most recent cutting edge" in ministry!
Little people…get out of the way!

REMEMBER! EVEN THE DISCIPLE PETER HAD TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE!
He presumed to tell the Lord what would never happen in His ministry!
The actual crucifixion!

EVEN THE RICH YOUNG RULER, WHO APPEARED TO BE A GENTEEL AND
HONORING INDIVIDUAL WAS ARROGANT enough to think that he could
travel with Jesus and gain further stature without having to lay down all of
his own well-earned endowments!

He actually thought that having obeyed the commandments since he was
a small child and being good would be the way to keep his wealth and
cushy lifestyle! This is the subtle disease of arrogance! He didn't think he
had it! In fact…he might have thought that his financial settings would
endear him to Jesus and the twelve disciples because he could provide a
more comfortable lifestyle for all of them while they ministered.

Oh! He went away sad, but not broken. He was sad that he had to choose
between his rich and public securities and…a humble life with Jesus.
Matthew (19)

LISTEN TO WHAT THE LORD PROPHESIED TO US IN ISAIAH
ABOUT THE VERY SAME ISSUE.

And the word of One will go forth, "Cast up, cast up (to throw something
away from yourself, usually with force) Prepare the way! Take up the
stumbling block out of the way of the spiritual return of My people."

For this is what The High and Almighty One has to say—
He Who inhabits eternity, Whose name is Holy:

"I dwell in the high and holy place, but I also dwell with him who is of a
thoroughly penitent and humble spirit, to revive, to reawaken the spirit of
the humble and to reinstate the heart of the thoroughly broken bruised
with sorrow for their sin."
Isaiah 57:14-15

HERE ARE SOME THESAURUS AND DICTIONARY DESCRIPTIONS
OF THE WORD ARROGANCE:

ARROGANCE:
The act or habit of making uncalled-for claims in an overbearing manner;
that species of pride which consists in exorbitant claims of rank, dignity,
estimation, or power, or which exalts the worth or importance of the
person to an undue degree; proud contempt of others; lordliness; haughtiness

ARROGANT:
High-handed, disdainful, haughty, high-and-mighty, insolent, lordly,
overbearing, condescending, superior example

: RELATED WORDS: domineering, bossy, dictatorial; exaggerated, false,
highfalutin, assumed, ostentatious

IDIOM: too big for one's britches

IF WE ARE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD WE ARE TO BE HUMBLE
and fully aware of our need for daily brokenness and a deep daily need for
re- consecration of our reasons to follow Jesus.

THOSE WHO CLAIM TO BE THE CHILDREN OF GOD ARE TO REFLECT HUMILITY.

IN REGARD TO SATAN'S KINGDOM,
HE IS SAID TO BE A 'KING OVER ALL THE CHILDREN OF PRIDE.'

Proverbs 21
24-Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.

WE CANNOT ARROGANTLY ASSUME THAT BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN USED MIGHTILY FOR
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN SIGNS AND WONDERS, PROPHETIC UTTERANCES, SPEAKING TO MULTITUDES,
GIVERS OF ABUNDANT SUMS, OR HAVE WRITTEN A BOOK - THAT WE HAVE A SPECIAL RIGHT TO BE
HONORED OR A RIGHT TO HAVE OTHERS "LISTEN UP" AND HEAR WHAT WE HAVE TO IMPART!

WE MUST DECREASE, AND HE …THE ONE…
THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS NO ARROGANCE…MUST INCREASE.

LOOK! NOBODY'S TEACHINGS OR PRACTICES ARE BEYOND BIBLICAL JUDGMENT —
ESPECIALLY INFLUENTIAL LEADERS.

Biblically, authority and accountability go hand in hand. (e.g., Luke 12:48)
The greater the responsibility one holds, the greater the accountability one has before
God and His people.

TEACHERS SHOULD BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL NOT TO MISLEAD ANY BELIEVER,
for their calling carries with it a strict judgment (James 3:1).
They should therefore be grateful when sincere Christians take the time
to question them about the teaching and yes, even possibly bring
correction to correct whatever unsound doctrine they may be preaching.
And should the criticisms be groundless they should respond in the
manner prearranged by Scripture: to correct misguided doctrinal
opposition with GENTLE instruction (2 Tim. 2:25).

THERE IS OF COURSE ANOTHER SIDE TO THIS ISSUE:

CRITICISM OFTEN CAN BE SINFUL,
leading to rebellion and unnecessary division. Christians should respect the
leaders that God has given them (Heb. 13:17).
Theirs is the task of assisting the church in its spiritual growth and doctrinal understanding (Eph. 4:11-16).

At the same time believers should be aware that false teachers will arise among
the Christian fold (Acts 20:28; 2 Pet. 2:1).

This makes it very important for us to test all things by Scripture, as the Bereans
were highly praised for doing when they examined the words of the apostle Paul
(Acts 17:11)

PRAY THIS SIMPLE PRAYER WITH ME WON'T YOU?
“Lord, help all of us as your servants to keep the subtle disease of
arrogance and it's influences, far from us. Teach us oh precious king how
to model apostolic mercy, pastoral humility, and open repentance before
those whom we instruct and serve in your kingdom.” AMEN

"ARROGANCE"
Vanity of vanities!
Why put on with foolish pride an illusion of soul's lust?
Why make yourself a statue of gold
When you're only made of dust? - Author unknown

Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is welcomed provided that
complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is included.
Thank you. Copyright © 200p " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
www.globalprayerrooms.com

__________________
The International Prophetic Mentoring Council

“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser,
Mentor a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.”
Proverbs 9:9