Time To Vent

“Venting is like hitting the reset button for your emotions.”

I normally would not vent especially on social media or online, but I have to address the elephant in the room. As a pastor, deacon, or church leader, you have a significant responsibility to bring people to Christ and lead them on a path towards salvation. But what exactly must you do to fulfill this duty? First and foremost, you need to love others as Christ loves His children. This means treating others with love, respect, and kindness.

Jesus gave us a clear command to love one another. In John 13:34 ESV, He stated, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” This commandment is the foundation for all Christian relationships and should be at the core of your interactions with church members.

When church members feel loved and accepted, it creates a positive atmosphere that encourages spiritual growth. They are more likely to open up, seek guidance, and actively participate in church activities. Conversely, when church members feel marginalized or mistreated, it can lead to disillusionment and disengagement.

It is important to remember that your words and actions have the power to shape someone’s spiritual journey.

In addition to loving others, it is crucial to lead with integrity and transparency. Be honest and accountable in your actions and decisions. Be transparent about your motivations and intentions. As the spiritual leader of your congregation, your actions should exemplify the values and teachings of Christ.

You can lead a service, preach the word, spit out memory verses, and sing hymns and worship music all you want, but if you are not doing these things out of love for others and if you are not being genuine and sincere, then you are part of the problem.

A truly “Saint” or a “Man or Woman of God” is someone who lives out their beliefs and values in their everyday life. They demonstrate love, compassion, and forgiveness towards others, even in the face of adversity. It is not enough to simply know the scriptures or quote verses; it is about how you apply those teachings to your own actions and interactions with others.

The devil himself knows scripture. The devil himself knows the Bible, and he can use it to manipulate and deceive. However, a true “Saint” or “Man or Woman of God” is not swayed by false teachings or empty rituals. They are guided by the Holy Spirit and strive to live a life of integrity.

It is through genuine love and actions that “Saints” and “Man or Women of God” open doors and lead others towards salvation. By living out their faith and demonstrating love and kindness towards others, they inspire others to seek a deeper understanding of the Gospel. It is through their actions and example that they find purpose and meaning in their own lives, and they hope to share that with others.

Matthew 18:15-16 – Amplified Bible – (AMP)
If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens and pays attention to you, you have won back your brother. But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that EVERY WORD MAY BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES.

As a Christian, one of the greatest joys I have is the opportunity to connect with other believers and cultivate meaningful bonds that can be labeled as “brother” or “sister.” This term holds great significance to me, as it signifies a deep connection that goes beyond mere acquaintances.

When referring to other Christians as my brother and sister, it reflects a deep affection and love that extends beyond mere acquaintances. I refer to other Christians as my brother and sister because I love them as if they were family. Our shared faith in Christ has created a bond that transcends ordinary relationships. We have a common purpose, to love and serve one another, and this unity strengthens our connection.

The phrase “brother or sister” is not just a term of endearment; it holds profound meaning within the Christian community. It reminds us that, as believers, we are part of a large family, brought together by our shared faith and love for one another. It is a bond that transcends cultural and societal differences, and it encourages us to support and uplift one another.

The name “brother or sister” is not just a label; it is a call to action. It reminds us that we are called to love one another deeply, as exemplified by the command in 1 Peter 4:8: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” This verse serves as a guiding principle for our relationships within the Christian community.

By calling one another brother and sister, we acknowledge our shared humanity and emphasize the importance of forgiveness, understanding, and support. We are called to love each other unconditionally, even in the face of mistakes or wrongdoings.

Love is a powerful tool that has the power to heal wounds, bridge gaps, and foster unity within the church.

1 Peter 4:8, emphasizes the importance of showing love and kindness towards others, even in the face of sin and imperfection. It reminds us that love has the power to forgive and overlook mistakes, providing compassion and support.

In Ephesians 4:29, we are reminded to, “not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing our words carefully and avoiding harmful or negative speech. It encourages us instead to speak words that uplift and edify others, fostering positive relationships and benefiting both the speaker and the listener.

Now, let’s tie these two verses together. When we engage in negative or harmful speech towards others, it undermines the love and forgiveness that should be the foundation of our relationships. Similarly, when we fail to acknowledge our own sins and faults, it contradicts the humility and vulnerability that are expected from a follower of Christ.

Both 1 Peter 4:8 and Ephesians 4:29 remind us of the importance of love and forgiveness in our relationships. They urge us to show love towards others, to cover their faults and sins, and to avoid engaging in negative speech. By embracing these principles, we can create a more loving and supportive environment, both in our interactions with others and within our own relationships with the Lord. Let us strive to follow these principles and live a life that exemplifies the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

I am writing this to address an important matter regarding the Church and its leaders. It has come to my attention that some of you may be masquerading as shepherds, but in reality, you are ravenous wolves. As a sinner myself, I understand the value of forgiveness and the need to ask for it daily. However, it is crucial that we as leaders uphold the values and teachings of our faith and refrain from spreading darkness in this already dark world.

We must recognize that we are all imperfect. We have our faults, and from time to time, we will fall short. Yesterday, I failed the Lord, just as I will today and most likely tomorrow. It is in these moments of weakness that we must turn to Him and seek forgiveness.

I am a firm believer in the power of prayer, and I am constantly praying for more people to be drawn to the love of Christ. However, I will never force religion on anyone. I believe that everyone has the power to make their own decisions and to choose whom they will serve. My role is to guide and support them on their journey, but I cannot force them to believe what I believe.

The principle of trusting the Lord’s timing is one I hold dear, and it took me a long time to learn. I believe that He has a plan for all of us, and it is important to be patient and wait for His guidance. It is not our place to determine when others should accept Christ as their Savior. It is our job to plant seeds and nurture them, but it is up to each individual to decide when and how they will grow.

I implore you, dear leaders, to choose this day whom you will serve. If you are a false prophet who comes to us in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves, it is time for a change. The world is already in darkness, and we do not need any more darkness. Instead, let us embrace Christ, who is the embodiment of light, truth, and salvation. He is the light that shines in the darkness, and only by His teachings and guidance can we find the path to redemption.

Let us resist the temptation to deceive and lead others astray. Instead, let us be beacons of hope and inspiration, guiding them towards the light of Christ. May our actions be a reflection of the love and grace that we ourselves have received.

There seems to be a growing trend of individuals in our community who are being hypocritical and, in some cases, even attacking others in the name of Christianity. It is disheartening to witness this behavior, as it goes against the very principles that our faith stands for.

Let us be clear: being a Christian is not about playing a role or putting on a façade. It is about living a genuine and authentic life, grounded in love and humility. It is about seeking truth and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is about being a servant to others, rather than seeking to elevate oneself.

I am tired of seeing wolves disguised as sheep, preying on vulnerable individuals and promoting their own agendas. It is disheartening to witness individuals who claim to represent the Christian faith engaging in harmful behavior and perpetuating negative stereotypes. It does not reflect the values of our community and undermines the positive work that many genuine Christians strive to do.

It is important for us to remember that only God holds the title of superiority. Only He can truly be above us all. It is through Him that we find meaning and purpose in our lives. That is why we kneel when we pray, seeking His guidance and humbly acknowledging His greatness.

Let us strive to be true Christians, living our lives with integrity and honesty. Let us lead by example and exhibit the love, compassion, and forgiveness that our faith teaches. Let us resist the urge to engage in harmful behavior or to attack others, and instead focus on spreading the message of hope and unity.

Remember, it is not about playing a role, it is about truly embodying the essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Only then can we make a difference and have a positive impact on the world around us.

Let us strive to be the true embodiment of our faith, and let our actions speak louder than any words.

Being a spiritual leader is no easy task, but by following the teachings of Christ and loving others as He loves them, you can make a lasting impact on your congregation. Remember, it is not about numbers or success in this world, but about bringing people closer to God and helping them develop a deeper relationship with Him.

A proverb and scripture both admonish us to take care of our household. This is consistent with our walk, faith, and convictions. Put everything in order or consider your motivations as you are mimicking what God might have begun in you. Ask God whether you are carrying out His will and whether He approves of your deeds. You can be taken aback and find yourself in dire need of His solutions. Keep in mind that the last thing any of us “Christians” want to hear from God is, “depart from me, ye that work iniquity…”

I have come to the end of my venting, but one final thought remains. 1 Corinthians 13:11 states, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” This verse highlights the maturity that comes with adulthood and the responsibility that comes with positions of authority, such as being a Leader, Pastor, Deacon, Coach, Father, Mother, Uncle, or Aunt. It reminds us that when we take on these roles, we must leave behind the ways of childhood and adopt a more mature and responsible approach.

One childish act that is incompatible with these positions is speaking behind someone’s back, bringing a brother or sister down to elevate oneself, spreading gossip or rumors, or living up to the calling placed upon us in a less than exemplary manner. As men or women of God, we are called to represent Christ in everything we do, including our actions and words. How are others supposed to see Christ in us, through us, or with us? How can we uphold the values that Christ taught us when we engage in such childish behavior?

On the contrary, when we fail to live up to the calling placed upon us, we not only bring shame upon ourselves but also make a mockery of the work that God has started in us. It is disheartening to see individuals who present themselves as followers of Christ but fail to live by the values that He taught us. Instead of embodying the spirit of love and unity, they exhibit a behavior that is contrary to the teachings of love and forgiveness.

As leaders, pastors, deacons, coaches, parents, aunts, uncles, or any other position of authority, we must remember that our words and actions have the power to influence others. It is crucial that we lead by example, demonstrating the love of Christ in all that we do. Let us strive to avoid engaging in childish behavior and instead embrace the responsibilities of adulthood, living up to the calling we have received as followers of Christ.

Are you sure that the path or direction you are taking or have taken is what God called you to, or are you doing it just as with the act of talking about people behind their backs and gossiping, doing it all to elevate yourself?

In life, it is important to assess whether the path we are on aligns with God’s will and purpose for our lives. It is a constant struggle to avoid falling into the temptation of seeking validation, recognition, and attention through gossiping and backstabbing.

Matthew 4:7 – English Standard Version – (ESV)
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.

Just as we see in this passage from Matthew 4:7, Jesus reminds us that it is wrong to put God to the test. This verse serves as a reminder to avoid seeking our own selfish gains and to seek instead to follow God’s will and purpose for our lives.

As you reflect on your own actions and choices, it is important to consider whether they are motivated by a desire to elevate yourself or whether they are rooted in genuine obedience to God. Gossiping and speaking behind people’s backs not only harm others but also reflect a lack of integrity. It is important to remember that God’s calling is not based on personal success or popularity, but rather on living a life of righteousness, love, and servitude.

I urge you to seek clarity and conviction in this matter. Continue to pray for yourself, that God would reveal any areas of disobedience or compromise. Only through genuine repentance and obedience to God’s will can we experience the fullness of grace and blessings that He has in store for us.

May God bless you abundantly and may you experience a deep sense of conviction as you strive to align your actions with His divine calling.

Prior to being checked out, check yourself.

Needed to Vent – Thank you for Reading.

You Are Loved

Willie Torres

1/10/24