The Danger of Pentecostal Clericalism

The Danger of Pentecostal Clericalism and Godliness without Contentment

Recognize humility in a servant

I am not a prophet, but if I can allow myself to build, encourage and comfort the people of God, faced with the situation of many Christians in Cameroon in this case, then I aspire for my message to disturb consciences to come to a spirit of humility! Let this therefore not serve as a judgment on any ministry or man of God in particular, but to raise awareness so that the truth is no longer a subject of scandal, nor a subject of blame among believers and unbelievers alike!

1 Cor 14:1 Pursue love. Also aspire to spiritual practices, especially that which consists of speaking as prophets. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God, for no one understands him, and he speaks mysteries in the spirit. 3 He who speaks as a prophet, on the contrary, speaks to humans: he builds, he encourages, he comforts.

Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see many servants of God being or being designated as: apostle, prophet, pastor, evangelist, doctor. So far, nothing reprehensible. But there are added titles which make even certain ecclesiastical bodies blush and which for centuries have been reproached by those who condemned them, these pompous and unbiblical titles, and which today are endorsed by many men in their ministry!

We come back to the law on the priests according to the laws and precepts and ordinances of Leviticus and no longer to the covering that the scriptures teach us!

We usually say here in France: the habit does not make the monk, it's true, however it is rare to see a monk without The traditional robe is called the robe. And today, it is no longer unusual to see a minister of God wearing more than a simple woolen outfit! This therefore leads the men of God to wear spiritual and sometimes even visible ceremonial clothing, in order to be seen by men, more important than the Lord himself, who was often dressed in a simple tunic and sometimes mounted on a donkey [as a mount] to enter Jerusalem (we know the rest).

Many men of God these days travel in limousines and sometimes unmarked, often still accompanied by bodyguards, and who have nothing to envy of the popemobile and the Swiss guards. The red carpet is rolled out for them, everything is ready to receive them, as if he were more important than the Lord Jesus himself! We cheer them, we scream historically, we clap our hands at their name!  Their Message is very often true and without false notes. They know how to captivate crowds, are outstanding speakers

He denounces sin, corruption

He announces to renounce the world because the return of Jesus is near

He denounces the false gospel, especially that of prosperity

However, these men of God, whom I cite by their labels and who are called

Monsignor Doctor So-and-so

Rv Pasteur Leader of ....

The super apostle...

The Archbishop and Bishop ...

The general and prophet of ...

The Prophet of the nations....

And many other titles, which I have never heard of in the past, when the men of God were content with their ministry title cited in Ephesians 4:11-12

For many of them, they denounce sin and the return of Jesus, there is no problem but the very ones who denounce prosperity travel in a limousine and are welcomed on a red carpet like a president of the republic!  Many men of God in the Church, which is the body of Christ and not the body of a leader, a general, a Bishop, sink into clericalism and religious extravagance!

Some will make excuses, even using verses from the Bible! However, this is what the Bible teaches.

Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not care for the flesh to gratify its lusts.

This text is clear: it is to be clothed with the Lord and not with what clothes the flesh, that is important!

Romans 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the wiles of the devil.

And no pompous titles!

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

This is how we recognize a good minister of the Lord. Humility is a sign and humility must be seen in those who call themselves the ministry of God!

Prophetically the language and attitude of many will be to believe

1 Timothy 6:5 the vain discussions of men corrupted in understanding, deprived of the truth, and believing that godliness is a source of gain. 6 Indeed, godliness with contentment is a great source of gain; 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, and it is evident that we can carry nothing out of it; 8 If then we have food and clothing, it will be enough for us. 9 But those who desire to become rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and perverse desires, which plunge men into ruin and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all evil; and some, being possessed, have strayed from the faith, and have thrown themselves into many torments. 11 As for you, man of God, flee these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, seize eternal life, to which you were called, and of which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Titus 1:10 There are indeed many disobedient people, idle talkers and deceivers, especially among the circumcised; 11 We must shut their mouths. They turn entire houses upside down, teaching the wrong thing, for shameful gains.

Piety is therefore not a means of personal enrichment! Teachings, prayers of deliverance, etc. must therefore not be means of enriching oneself or making sordid gains!  Often we point the finger through this text at our dear sisters to teach them humility

1 Timothy 2:9 I also want the women, dressed decently, with modesty and modesty, to adorn themselves neither with braids, nor with gold, nor with pearls, nor with sumptuous garments,

Peter 3:3 Have not this outward adornment, which consists of braided hair, or ornaments of gold, or clothing which is put on,

But it is also necessary that the Servant, whatever his title, must be an identical model for the sisters!

To conclude, let us take the example of the humility of the Lord

Philippians 2:4 Let each of you, instead of considering his own interests, also consider the interests of others. 5 Have in yourselves the minds that were in Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider it a thing to be equal with God, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, becoming in the likeness of men; 8 and having appeared as a mere man, (2-8) he humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even unto the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Is Jesus the example that we want to follow in all things? May they become so for you, who reads this exhortation!

Thank you for your constructive intervention.

May the Lord bless you