“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11)
Peter knew what it was to be an oracle of God. “… Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (Mt. 16:17) He also knew what it was to be a mouthpiece of Satan. “… Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (Mt. 16:23)
What a blessing it is to minister under God’s anointing – to speak His words, and not our own. But much well-intentioned “ministry” has little of God in it. We can “ask amiss,” and preach amiss. Only what is OF God is done in HIS Name. Tacking “in Jesus’ Name” to the end of a prayer does not validate it. All supposed ministry that proceeds from our spirit, and not from His, is wood, hay, and stubble.
We will one day give account for every idle word we spoke. God will not hold guiltless those who take His Name in vain. Ministry is a sacred and solemn responsibility which we dare not take lightly. To be baptized in the Holy Spirit is to be utterly broken of self-generated ministry. To be full of the Spirit that gives life is to be empty of the flesh that profits nothing. The fire falls on those who do nothing of themselves.
For God to be glorified, God must be at work. All things that are good and glorious and profitable must be of, by, and for God. Whether it’s from the pulpit or in private conversation, let us walk softly before God. Let us heed the exhortation of one who knew both glory and shame. Jesus still praises oracles of God and rebukes oracles of human and devilish wisdom.