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Jeremiah, the ancient prophet, stands as a poignant example of a figure whose life and ministry were marked by a lack of visible success in the eyes of his contemporaries. Despite his unwavering commitment to delivering God’s messages, Jeremiah faced rejection, persecution, and constant opposition. His prophecies of impending doom and calls for repentance were often met with indifference or hostility, leaving him isolated and disheartened. Yet beneath the surface of his seemingly unfruitful endeavours lay a profound impact that would echo through the ages. Jeremiah’s unwavering faith, resilience, and obedience to God’s calling inspire us to redefine our understanding of success. His legacy teaches us that true success may not always be immediately visible but lies in the transformative power of a life lived in faithful service to a higher purpose, leaving a lasting imprint on hearts and minds for generations to come.

Conventional success

I’ve worked for years in Christian ministries, and I know that there is a strong emphasis within these organizations on visible success in ministry. This visibility is measured by numerical growth, financial prosperity, and popularity. While these indicators can signify positive aspects of a ministry’s outreach, they should not be the sole measure of success. The pursuit of visible success has led some churches and ministries to prioritize attracting larger congregations and accumulating resources over deeper spiritual growth and genuine discipleship. This focus on numbers and material achievements inadvertently overshadows the core values of the Gospel. It also creates pressure on the organization’s leaders to project an image of prosperity rather than address real-life challenges and foster authentic connections.

By today’s ministerial standards, Jeremiah was a failure. His warnings and counsel did not have a significant influence on the political decisions made by the kings and rulers of his time. Despite his earnest appeals for repentance and divine guidance, the leaders of Judah remained stubborn in their ways, disregarding his prophetic messages. Instead of heeding Jeremiah’s cautionary words about the consequences of disobedience, they chose to trust in their military strength and alliances with foreign powers. The prevailing attitude towards Jeremiah’s prophecies was one of skepticism and disbelief, leading to the continuation of policies that ultimately led to the downfall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. It was only in retrospect, after the tragic events unfolded, that the weight and truth of Jeremiah’s words became evident, underscoring the profound impact of his message beyond the limitations of his immediate audience.

True success

The concept of true success varies significantly depending on one’s values, beliefs, and worldview. If we are referring to the lack of conventional success experienced by a historical or biblical figure like Jeremiah, it can offer some insights into alternative measures of success beyond material wealth or societal recognition.

1. Spiritual Fulfilment:

True success is linked to one’s spiritual growth, moral uprightness, and connection to God’s purposes. Jeremiah’s life, as depicted in the Bible, exemplifies a commitment to his faith and the fulfillment of his prophetic calling even amidst challenges and opposition.

2. Moral Integrity:

True success is seen in how a person adheres to his or her moral principles and ethical values even when it means facing hardships or going against societal norms. Jeremiah’s steadfastness in speaking the truth, even when it was unpopular, highlights the importance of staying true to one’s convictions.

3. Impact on Others:

True success is measured by the positive impact a person has on the lives of others and their community. Jeremiah’s prophetic messages were intended to guide and warn his people, reflecting a concern for their well-being and spiritual growth.

4. Resilience and Perseverance:

True success is found in the ability to face adversity with resilience and perseverance. Despite experiencing rejection and persecution, Jeremiah continued to carry out his mission, demonstrating determination in the face of challenges.

5. Eternal Perspective:

The Gospel emphasizes an eternal perspective on success, focusing on a life and purpose beyond this world. Jeremiah’s actions are part of a larger divine plan even if the immediate outcomes weren’t as visible or appreciated during his lifetime. Jeremiah’s lack of conventional success in his time did not diminish the significance of his actions, teachings, and impact on later generations.

Conclusion

Delving into the depths of Jeremiah’s life and message reveals a profound understanding of true success that transcends conventional measures. We witness true success in Jeremiah’s unwavering commitment to his divine calling, his unyielding faithfulness to God’s Word, and his genuine love and compassion for his people. We conclude that true success emerges from a life lived in alignment with God’s will and purpose even in the face of opposition, rejection, and suffering.

As we apply the profound lessons from Jeremiah’s life, let us remember that our ultimate success lies in faithfully serving our Creator and standing firm in the face of adversity. In this pursuit, we will find the true essence of success and experience the fulfillment that comes from living in harmony with Christ.

At the heart of the charismatic movement is a significant emphasis on the prophetic dimension. Unfortunately, what we witness are deceptive and misleading predictions or claims of future events churned out in God’s Name. False prophecies can have significant consequences, sowing confusion, disappointment, and distrust among those who believe in them. People make life-altering decisions based on these erroneous predictions, only to face the harsh reality that they were misled.

My intention for this week was to delve into an analysis of the realm of the prophetic. However, as I reflected on the subject, I deemed it necessary to first share the profound impact that a false prophetic movement had on my family. Before exploring the Scriptural stand on prophecy next week, it is essential to acknowledge and understand the havoc caused by misleading and deceptive prophecies, dreams, and visions. By doing so, we can approach the topic from a balanced perspective and learn from the experiences that shaped my family’s journey.

I am sharing my story because I am aware that countless others have been victims of the same, enduring profound losses caused by deceitful prophets and misguided prophecies.

The Allure of the Prophetic

The concept of the “prophetic” evokes visions of guidance, wisdom, and divine revelation. However, in some instances, the pursuit of prophecies and belief in their validity can lead to unintended consequences. Unfortunately, my family experienced firsthand the detrimental effects of placing blind faith in prophecies, resulting in the disintegration of family relationships.

In a world rife with uncertainty and complexity, the idea of a prophet offering insights into the future can be alluring. It provides comfort and hope, especially during challenging times when people seek reassurance about their choices and destinies.

I grew up in a family of five: two parents and three boys, with me being the eldest. Throughout their married years, my parents maintained a tense relationship. As time went on, my mother became part of a community of women who identified themselves as “servants” of God, believing they were divinely called to serve Him. I now consider this group to be a cult. Among other things, they claimed to possess prophetic abilities that could reveal hidden truths and navigate one toward a better life.

Erosion of Rationality

Over time, the belief in the prophetic grew stronger within this cult. Practical considerations were disregarded in favour of “divine” visions and voices generated by the group. Rational decision-making was replaced by an unquestioning acceptance of every word uttered by the prophetesses within the group, leading to a dangerous disconnect from reality. I recall a specific incident when we were living in Mombasa. My mother was on the phone with a member of the cult, discussing their plans to pray for the sacking of a nurse at Coast General Hospital. This nurse had apparently obstructed their ministry work at the facility.

Those who dared to oppose this group were automatically labeled as being under the sway of the Devil. My dad, who held reservations about the group, warned my mother about certain practices they engaged in. In response, the group retaliated by concocting visions and dreams portraying my dad as a Devil-worshipper. They accused him of obstructing the destinies of his children for personal gain, claiming he suffered from HIV/AIDS and was draining the life force of our family members (sucking our blood in the spirit realm) to prolong his own life.

Fractured Relationships

As I previously mentioned, my parents’ relationship has always been strained, and my mother’s involvement in the cult further exacerbated the situation. Eventually, a prophecy emerged within the group claiming that God had a grand international ministry destined for my mother. This ministry was to span the entire globe and bring healing to the nations. But this ministry’s realization was being thwarted by my father’s alleged malevolent powers. The proposed solution was for my mother to separate from my dad and pursue this supposed international ministry that God had in store for her.

Second Wife

In response to what she believed was divine “prophetic” guidance, my mother abandoned her marital home, impervious to any attempts made by family members to dissuade her. Consequently, my father sought companionship elsewhere and found a caring partner who stood by him until his passing.

My mother made significant efforts to sever all connections between my dad and his sons. According to her, she received divine revelations revealing that my dad was involved in immoral behaviour. She changed her narrative and now claimed that she left her marriage because dad had always been planning to kill her and bring in a new wife; hence, she had actually fled for her life. Remarkably, she managed to convince my brothers, and they completely severed all interactions with our dad until his last day on Earth.

My mother and brothers also cut off all connections with my uncles and aunts on my father’s side. Further prophetic revelations revealed that these relatives are involved in witchcraft and devil worship. Since I chose not to sever ties with my dad and his family, they included me in Satan worship revelations and subsequently disassociated themselves from me as well.

After my dad’s passing, my mother returned, asserting her claim to all of his assets as his legally wedded wife. She sought to evict my stepmother from my dad’s land in Mombasa, and the case went to court. The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Mombasa ruled in favour of my stepmother, recognizing her as the deceased’s dependent. Senior Resident Magistrate Hon J. Kassam wrote: “It therefore follows that Section 3 (5) of the Law of Succession Act being the parent law supersedes Section 37 of the repealed marriage Act. To that extent, the respondent [my step mum] is insulated under Section 3 (5) of the Law of Succession Act hence recognized as a wife for purposes of succession.”

Eventually, the courts fairly divided my dad’s assets among the five of us, including my stepmother. My stepmother received my dad’s land in Mombasa, which greatly angered my mum and brothers. Presently, my stepmother resides safely on the farm in Mombasa. My mum and brothers continue to keep their distance from us and, despite the court’s decision, persist in their efforts to find legal loopholes to remove my stepmother from the land.

Conclusion

The allure of the prophetic can be captivating, offering hope and direction in uncertain times. However, our family’s tragic experience serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how misplaced faith in prophecies can wreak havoc on lives and relationships. Our family journey through spiritual ruin, fractured relationships, and loss of opportunities should teach us all the importance of critical thinking and individual responsibility. It is crucial to approach prophecies with critical thinking, discernment, and a healthy dose of skepticism to safeguard ourselves and others from the detrimental effects of false or inaccurate information.

Modern churches, in their sermons, prioritize financial, career, and social accomplishments above developing strong Christian character. This emphasis on success obscures the essential focus on living an exemplary life grounded in faith and virtuous character. This subtle shift in priorities leads Christians to prioritize personal ambition over living a life that aligns with the teachings of Christianity. This trend is increasingly evident across many contemporary churches, making it crucial for us to reflect on the true meaning of faith and ensure we remain true to the principles of the Gospel.

Consider the quotes below from prominent Christian leaders to grasp how far we have deviated from the true focus of the Gospel:

“God wants you to prosper in every area of your life. He wants you to have more than enough, so you can be a blessing to others.” – Joel Osteen
“Your breakthrough is directly connected to your giving. The more you give, the more you will receive. God wants to bless you abundantly!” – Creflo Dollar
“Financial prosperity is a sign of God’s favor. If you’re not wealthy, you need to examine your faith and see what’s blocking your blessings.” – Kenneth Copeland
“God has a great plan for your financial success. Trust in Him, sow your seeds of faith, and watch Him multiply your harvest!” – T.D. Jakes
“Your faith is the key to unlocking wealth and abundance. Believe, speak positive affirmations, and claim your prosperity!” – Joyce Meyer

Gone are Biblical teachings that touch on humility, compassion, love for others, and the pursuit of righteousness. These teachings are meant to shape us into the image and character of Christ and focus on our relationship with God and the well-being of our fellow human beings. When churches prioritize material success above these fundamental teachings, they distort the true essence of Christianity.

What is character?

Character is the sum of one’s moral and ethical qualities, values, and principles. It is what defines a person’s integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness. Character best reflects one’s spiritual condition. It determines how one relates to others, handles challenges, and makes decisions. Christian character is the result of repentance and belief in Christ that result in consistent righteous habits and choices over time.

Godly Christian character refers to the qualities and virtues that reflect the nature and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is the transformation of an individual’s heart and mind through the power of the Holy Spirit, resulting in a life that aligns with God’s will and brings glory to Him. Developing godly character is a lifelong journey for Christians as they seek to grow in their relationship with God and strive to live in a manner that honours Him.

The story of Joab in the Bible is a cautionary tale that warns against prioritizing material, professional, and social success over character. Joab was a prominent military leader and commander in the kingdom of Israel. His life was intertwined with the reigns of King David and King Solomon, and his actions left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

The Rise to Power

Joab, a son of Zeruiah, David’s sister, emerged as a central figure during David’s ascent to the throne. He played a pivotal role in David’s military successes, including the conquest of Jerusalem, which became the capital city of Israel. Joab’s military prowess and leadership skills were evident from the early days as he commanded David’s army and orchestrated strategic campaigns against their enemies. He exhibited unwavering loyalty to David which would define his relationship with the king throughout their lives.

Military Achievements

Joab’s military exploits were numerous and noteworthy. He played a crucial role in establishing Israel as a dominant force in the region, securing its borders, and expanding its territories. He led the Israelite army to victory against various enemies, including the Philistines, the Ammonites, and the Edomites. Joab’s cunning tactics, strategic acumen, and fearless nature made him a formidable military commander. Under his leadership, Israel’s military strength and influence grew significantly, solidifying its position as a regional power.

Loyalty and Controversy

While Joab was a success in his military career, he exhibited deep character flaws. Perhaps the most notable incident was his involvement in the death of Abner, a military commander who had defected to David’s side. Joab harbored a deep personal grudge against Abner and saw his allegiance to David as a threat. In a deceitful act, Joab invited Abner to a private meeting and stabbed him to death.

Joab also murdered Amasa, another military commander, who was a nephew of David and had replaced Joab as the commander of David’s forces. When Amasa failed to gather troops promptly for an expedition against the rebel Sheba, Joab saw an opportunity to regain his position and power. In 2 Samuel 20, Joab killed Amasa by stabbing him, reclaiming his role as the commander of David’s army.

Joab also conducted the unauthorized killing of Absalom. During the rebellion of David’s son Absalom, Joab was instructed by David to deal gently with Absalom. However, Joab disregarded these orders and, after Absalom was caught in a tree, personally thrust three javelins into him, causing Absalom’s demise (2 Samuel 18:14–15).

Another controversial event in Joab’s life was his involvement in the death of Uriah the Hittite, the husband of Bathsheba. David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and, to cover up his sin, ordered Uriah to be placed on the front lines of battle, ensuring his death. Joab carried out this order without hesitation despite the morally dubious situation. This incident raised questions about Joab’s integrity and shows his willingness to blindly follow orders.

Downfall and Legacy

Despite his military successes and loyalty, Joab’s life ended in a tragic and complicated manner. Towards the end of David’s reign, tensions arose between Solomon and his older brother, Adonijah, who sought to seize the throne. Joab supported Adonijah’s claim despite God having chosen Solomon to lead Israel (the story is found primarily in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles). This led to a confrontation with Solomon. Recognizing the threat that Joab posed, Solomon ordered his execution. Joab’s death marked the end of an era, as he was one of the last remaining figures closely associated with David’s reign.

Joab’s story serves as a reminder of the dangers of a deficient character in spite of material and career success. It prompts us to reflect on the importance of Christian character, even in the face of conflicting loyalties. Someone once said that success is not about what you achieve but about the person you become in the process.

Lessons Learned

The pursuit of success without godly character can indeed lead to disastrous consequences. While the world may applaud material achievements or professional accomplishments, the absence of godly character can undermine the very foundations of true success.

Without godly character, success can become hollow and meaningless. The absence of integrity, humility, and compassion leads to moral decay, damaged relationships, and a loss of purpose. True success lies not so much in external accomplishments but in the development of a strong character rooted in godly principles.

Ultimately, true success is not measured solely by external achievements but by the alignment of one’s life with godly principles and character as outlined in Scripture. A holistic and enduring success is built on a foundation of integrity, love, compassion, humility, and a commitment to pursuing righteousness. By seeking godly character alongside our endeavours, we can experience more meaningful and fulfilling success that brings blessings not only to ourselves but also to those around us.

Conclusion

As a loyal military commander, Joab contributed significantly to Israel’s rise as a regional power. However, his sinful actions, motivated by personal vendettas and unquestioning loyalty, cast a shadow over his legacy. Joab’s story serves as a reminder that success must be balanced with integrity and ethical decision-making. By examining Joab’s life, we gain insights into the challenges we face daily and the profound impact our decisions and actions can have on the course of our lives.