Mouthpiece of the Enemy of Minister of Encouragement?

I quickly discovered that people in church life fell into 2 categories: mouthpieces of the enemy or ministers of encouragement. There were people whose words would bring death to my spirit while others brought me life.

I seriously believe that many in our churches have totally misinterpreted the true meaning of the phrase “Judgment begins at the house of God” in I Peter 4:17. This does not give church people the license to cast judgment in the sense of condemnation.

I heard a lady before a church service stated how she did not like Reba McEntire because she did not believe Reba was sincere. I wanted to ask if she knew her personally. If we are all honest, we have all been guilty of doing things similar to what this lady did.

How are we mouthpieces of the enemy? Through premature judgments. We jump to conclusions without knowing the facts. Then we spread what we think is the truth. Some say, “I call it as I see it”. Who died and made us God? No one!!!!! The Apostle Paul poured his life into the Corinthian believers, only for them to say that they didn’t think he was much to look at or listen to. Based on context, I firmly believe Paul’s thorn in the flesh was a group of people who caused him problems. Read 2 Corinthians 12. You don’t have to arrive to this conclusion, but I think it is worth considering.

I prefer to be a minister of encouragement. Evangelist Junior Hill preached a message several years ago about “Cold Water Christians”. Some are a part of the cold water committee, and they think their calling is to pour cold water on anything exciting that God is doing. I choose to be the one who offers someone a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name.

Which one are you? Are you the negative one who can clear a room, or are you the one who receives smiles when you walk into the room because you speak life into people? You can choose which one you’ll be. I suggest the latter.