A Message To Ministers
Submitted by Clay Sikes

Though this article is titled "A Message To Ministers," it applies to any who are "called" of God. Our "calling" requires that we take a journey, a journey that necessitates change within us, yet a journey with a vital goal. Man's ultimate goal and purpose should always be the character of God. With that in mind, it is important to note that anything growing will change - it is a natural and spiritual phenomenon. If we are not growing, we are not changing. If we find ourselves in a stagnant spiritual state it is because we are not changing. We often unwittingly retard our growth through pride and stout religious tradition. When we resist truth, trials come to soften our unbending nature.

Along the journey we learn that humility and grace will draw the character of God just as sure as arrogance and pride will repel it. The development of God's character within us is a process than spans time and experience, guided by the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Where we are in the process can often be revealed with certain understandings. This article is written to perhaps shed light on where we are in the process.

Until the character of God finds its way into the character of man, man will tend to create Ishmaels (works of the flesh). As Cain found out, the work of our hands will never please God. Where most of us miss it is in not realizing THAT THE SIN OF PRESUMPTION OFTEN HIDES ITSELF IN NOBLE PURPOSES. Our presumptive acts are often instigated by our spiritual pride and the smug "I am God's man" attitude that evolves during the process of our development.

While we wish it were not so, most Isaacs are preceded by Ishmaels. Stated more conclusively, an Ishmael seems always to precede an Isaac; and yet divinely, Ishmaels are often the catalyst for the formation of God's character within us. The pain that Ishmael can inflict is positively life changing!

Most of us in the Body of Christ have given birth to, or now house Ishmael or Isaac, or both in our works. Perhaps here we can begin to recognize what stage of character growth we are in. Those who have birthed an Ishmael must come to recognize that they have done so, and consequently learn to wait upon God for the true child of promise to emerge. A true recognition of Ishmael will spawn repentance and patience.

Those who have birthed Isaac must now recognize that Ishmael and Isaac can no longer live in the same house, and as painful and unchristian like as it may seem, they must put Ishmael out of the house. Many have been trapped by a religious spirit in not putting Ishmael out, and consequently suffer the mocking that surely ensues. Part of the development of the character of God within a man or woman of destiny is to possess the courage and non-religious nature to put Ishmael out.

To those who have patiently awaited Isaac's birth, who have had the courage to put Ishmael out of the house, now comes the greatest of all tests - the willingness to put Isaac to death! Are you willing to walk away from God's promise to you, your great destiny, ministry, church, or business so soon after the arrival of the promise? If the answer is a truthful "No," then recognize that you are still a work in progress, but if the answer is "Yes Lord," then rejoice - you have exchanged your life for His, and now you are ready for real life upon this earth. Restoration requires rest and only those who have entered into the "rest of God" will find this abundant life.

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