PURSUE STABILITY BEFORE POPULARITY

 Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi
Isaiah 33:6 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.
    The word 'stability ' is the Hebrew word  'emuwnah ' which means  firmness; f security; morally fidelity, steady, truly, truth, verily. This defines the character of the believer in Jesus Christ needed for a victorious life in the world.  The growth of the Christian is marked by many changes, and just like in the growth process of a child, each milestone comes with expectations. The older we get the more of a liability we become to the community or social construct wherein we find ourselves.
       A teenager is more of a liability to his or her parents than a toddler, and more is expected from a teenager by his or her parents  this could be in the form of  helping  out in the maintenance of the home by participating in house chores. The scriptures says in Luke 12:48" But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. " this means if God has invested so much in health, knowledge,  wisdom, finances, honour,  on a person,  there are certain expectations accrual  from that investment.
          One of the reasons relationships are strained  is that we sometimes have unreasonable expectations from persons whom we've invested little or nothing on. The fact that a person is an acquaintance of ours doesn't mean they are morally obligated to bear our burdens always,  life gives to us according to the measure that we invest (luke6:38)  therefore people respond to us according to our  investments in their  lives,  the contrary leads to a falling from grace. We cannot out-give God, the scriptures says 2Thess 3:10 "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." .  There is no reward in acting contrary to this scripture , doing so leads to the destruction of the recipient's capacity for self development and frustration on the part of the giver. This is the origin of unrealistic expectations which is the bane behind many a failed relationship. This is why wisdom teaches that it is more blessed to give than to receive because in future you may need help too
         In a bid to be popular some persons have gotten themselves burnt in relationships, ministry, business, jobs etc. Popularity is not the same thing as stability. Society is replete with popular personalities who are on the part of self destruction ranging from celebrities hooked on substance abuse to televangelists neck deep in theological errors. Popularity often demands we give to society more than what it gives to us, this leads to an emotional deficit and  the loss of the passion to live. It is out of this frustrations that many persons seek solace in psychotropic substances and abusive relationships  . It is common to hear about celebrities giving up a wholesome family relationship for popularity that often end in misery. It is hard to believe that one could be popular and yet wrong because those who surround us at such moments are there to exploit our weaknesses in other  to make  quick gains. Proverbs 16:25 says "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
        This is the trajectory of the world's system and it is the complete opposite of God’s system. He seeks stability first. A stable family,  relationship, community,  economy is to be preferred to a popular but failing system. Stability gives peace. The scriptures says in (Isaiah 33:6) that wisdom and knowledge shall be the source of stability in our times, and shall be the source of our strength for breakthroughs.  Instability in homes, businesses, jobs are caused by the lack of divine wisdom and the requisite knowledge needed for sustainability.  This wisdom comes from God's word 2Tim.3:15 "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."  Therefore, it is the absence of the word of God that leads to instabilities.
          Instead of seeking wisdom some Christians would rather opt for so-called shortcuts through false teacher who'll  promise them peace where there's none and subject them to 'endless deliverances that does more harm than good. All that is needed is a teaching on wisdom principles '. The scriptures says in Psalm 107:17" Fools because of  their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted." this means that the afflictions suffered in marriages ,businesses, relationships etc are caused by the lack of wisdom and not curses,witches and wizards as is commonly said today. It is for the purpose of stability in our homes  that the scriptures says in Proverbs.4:7" Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
       The long period of waiting for the manifestation of a dream should be for the development of a stable christian life. That's why Jesus said we should seek first the kingdom of God and His ways of doing things and all shall be added unto you (Matt.6:33)stable couples, ministries,businesses, relationships end up being popular as those that went ahead of them in the pursuit of popularity soon become obsolete and relegated to the background. The scriptures says in Mark 1:28 "And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee". This came about after over thirty years of developing a stable relationship with His earthly family and the community. There is no such thing  as an 'anointing to be famous' in the Holy Scriptures, preachers who teach this end up producing notorious Christians who become famous through treachery.  We are not called to be famous but to be stable and be an example of Christ on earth that the world may see and glorify God.
PRAYERS /COUNSELING +2348098536911, +2348035536911 Email :Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

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