Oratory skill is one thing but demonstrations of the power of the Spirit is far better

The last day of 2024 and I have some challenging questions for us who live in a world where appearances are everything and so much so that there are even jobs with the titles of a ‘social media influencer’ and it pays well! Within the Church there exists an arena of celebrity preachers with polished presentations and with an expert backroom team who can make anything look and sound good! That’s our world inside and outside the Church.

I have some questions but first let’s read Paul’s comments.

“But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. ²⁰ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. ²¹ What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?” (1 Corinthians 4 v 19-21)

So here are the questions:

• What is of most importance? The world knowing you are spiritual or actually walking in the power of God?
• Do we tell people about Jesus or do we just talk about doing so?
• Do we really expect powerful acts of God when we pray for someone or would we prefer they be blessed with a lesser expectation?
• Do we welcome a challenge over any blind-spots? Do we ask to be challenged?
• When confronted with our errors and blind-spots do we respond with humility or pride?
• Do you need a ‘rod of discipline’ because you have become impressive to your world or do you need a ‘loving and gentle’ approach to encourage you to stop living like you are unimpressive to everyone?

These questions come from Paul’s challenge over our Christianity being more of words than the power of the Spirit.

As we approach a new year let us do so with a desire that our Christianity be seen more regarding a demonstration of the Spirit’s power than our skillful words, arguments and presentations. Let us seek not to be filled with pride but with His power which genuinely expresses itself through humility, love and transformation. We may not be slick but we can serve for the glory of God. We may not be skilled but we carry the presence of the Spirit who is greater in us than he that is in the world.