Purity and Integrity: The Essential Virtues for Today's Ministers
Leviticus 21:4 But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.
Here being addressed in our text are the sons of Aaron the high priest. Young ministers growing up to be the next generation of priests, they are given a heavy warning against the dangers of losing their sexual purity. They were not to be “defiled”! Even as our Lord expects ALL of His children to walk in purity, it is especially true of His men!
“Being a chief” among our people, we as ministers of the Gospel (especially those of us who are younger both in age and in the work) are to keep our guards up at all times, lest we give an occasion to the flesh. Young ministers, Satan shall attempt to lure you with the best bait he has...do not fall for his lies! Serve God, give Him your life, and walk in purity, and Christ shall crown your ministry with favor and anointing! Do not forfeit God’s best for your life for just one “occasion”.
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16).
It is sad but true that we have an epidemic in our culture of men in the ministry caving in to the lusts of the flesh, whether it is an extra-marital affair, pornography, or worse. Dear reader, do not let that be you! Do not become another statistic! Stay close to the heart of God, and if you’re married, stay close to the heart of your loving spouse, and pray daily for the strength and grace of God to maintain your integrity in the ministry.
Too many lives are at stake for us to become careless and foolish in our decisions, thereby yielding to uncontrolled appetites. When we’re filled with HIS spirit, there is no room for self to take the reins. Let us endeavor from now ‘till Jesus comes or takes us home that we shall remain loyal to Him in all that we do, both in word, and in deed!
We need some men of integrity who shall be unselfish, loyal, truthful, honest, pure, holy, upright, loving, caring, faithful, and filled with the Holy Ghost!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
Here being addressed in our text are the sons of Aaron the high priest. Young ministers growing up to be the next generation of priests, they are given a heavy warning against the dangers of losing their sexual purity. They were not to be “defiled”! Even as our Lord expects ALL of His children to walk in purity, it is especially true of His men!
“Being a chief” among our people, we as ministers of the Gospel (especially those of us who are younger both in age and in the work) are to keep our guards up at all times, lest we give an occasion to the flesh. Young ministers, Satan shall attempt to lure you with the best bait he has...do not fall for his lies! Serve God, give Him your life, and walk in purity, and Christ shall crown your ministry with favor and anointing! Do not forfeit God’s best for your life for just one “occasion”.
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16).
It is sad but true that we have an epidemic in our culture of men in the ministry caving in to the lusts of the flesh, whether it is an extra-marital affair, pornography, or worse. Dear reader, do not let that be you! Do not become another statistic! Stay close to the heart of God, and if you’re married, stay close to the heart of your loving spouse, and pray daily for the strength and grace of God to maintain your integrity in the ministry.
Too many lives are at stake for us to become careless and foolish in our decisions, thereby yielding to uncontrolled appetites. When we’re filled with HIS spirit, there is no room for self to take the reins. Let us endeavor from now ‘till Jesus comes or takes us home that we shall remain loyal to Him in all that we do, both in word, and in deed!
We need some men of integrity who shall be unselfish, loyal, truthful, honest, pure, holy, upright, loving, caring, faithful, and filled with the Holy Ghost!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill