Submit to one another in love.

1 Corinthians 8:12-13 But when ye sin against the brethren and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Two Sundays back, my dear friend and sister in Christ came to pick me up for service. I wore a dress below the knees, front and back. However, the side was cut differently and slightly above my knees. Before I sat in the car, she said Prophetess, where are your tights? I said I don't have one on today. I usually wear one, but today I could not find it.

Initially, I thought my dress was long enough, so it was not an issue. But I felt a nudging in my spirit. If it bothered my sister, I should change the dress or find a shapewear. I share this to make this point: I must always be sensitive to those around me as a ministry. I could have allowed my flesh to dictate the outcome. Instead, I submitted to my sister and her discomfort at that moment.

How we respond in any situation testifies to the Kingdom we represent. Submitting to our coworkers in faith shows maturity. We got to service before worship began. We had an incredible time in the presence of God with no restrictions in our spirit. The spirit of the Lord moved powerfully.

Matthew 23:11-15

11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the Kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

Many ordained ministers have yet to understand an elementary principle. The higher the call, the more of a servant you are to become. Jesus was a perfect example of that. He said I did not come to be served but to serve. Washing his disciple's feet was to teach them humility. Many leaders have led their members into idolatry. They become gods to the people who they are sent to serve.

Apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists are servants. We are not sent to be served but to serve the Body of Christ. We are gifts to the church. A gift is given to others. There is no reason why we can't submit to each other, even those under our tutelage. There is no reason why we can't carry our Bibles and note-taking devices to the pulpit.

Many of the church cultures we follow blindly have no scriptural backing. Pride is one of Satan's greatest weapons for bringing down leaders. With all that is happening in the Body of Christ this year, we should take inventory of how we treat people. We should never exalt ourselves higher than we should. To make disciples of all men, we must do as Jesus did.

The greatest commandment is love.

We are sons and daughters of God. He chose you and me for this generation. He justified and sanctified us for His good works. John 6:44 tells us that He raised us for this last day. He allowed us to undergo trials to mold us into the vessels fit for Kingdom work. He had anointed you and me for our assignments.

An Apostle can only build with the anointing, not with charisma. Without the anointing, a prophet becomes a witch or wizard. Without the anointing, a pastor is just a motivational speaker. A teacher cannot make the word of God palatable for anyone to understand without the work of the Holy Spirit. An evangelist can't accomplish his mandate without complete submission to God. We are powerless to do the work of God without submitting to God and others in love.

God is merciful. He forgives us when we stray from the path of submission. Those who ask for forgiveness will be forgiven. However, those who continue to boast about their sin will be rebuked. Dear friends, serve humbly so those who look up to you will see Christ through you.