Kingdoms

The only true kingdom should be the one that belongs to the Lord. We who follow Jesus are his servants working to bring a message of reconciliation, love, and acceptance to a world in great need. Whether as a lay person, missionary, lower church official, or one blessed with a higher position, all are just caretakers of the Lord's church. No family should attempt to establish an earthly kingdom in Jesus' name. Too often the originating minister grooms his son and other family members to take the reins of the ministry when he is too old to continue. Thus we have a Robert Schuller handing his church over to his son, Jerry Fallwell's son Jonathan now pastors his Virginia church, and of course there is the current hot story: Richard Roberts. Richard took over the presidency of Oral Roberts University from his namesake dad. Now the accusations from three former professors are coming out in full public view. Stories of preferred treatment for family members and friends and misuse of precious school funds for personal use are rocking the ORU campus and causing embarrassment via cable news and other media sources. All of these ministries were started with the best intentions. But if those who build them realize that they are just God's instrument and not the owner, so many problems would not materialize. Perhaps the Catholics do have something in that priests, bishops, cardinals, and popes are forbidden to marry. There is no pressure to earn money for a family and to find cushy jobs for spouse and offspring. On the other hand, a married Protestant minister should thank God for all he (or she) has and pray even more for God's help in discerning the difference in performing ministry and providing for a family. The more one is given the more one must depend on Jesus.