THE SPIRITUAL DYNAMICS THAT AFFECT DECISION-MAKING

 

Written by Gavin Aleogho
 
When Rehoboam, son of Solomon, ascended the throne at forty-one, one would expect a reign that is marked by wisdom, restraint, and spiritual authority. Since he was no novice to royalty—raised amidst splendour, schooled in diplomacy, and groomed under the shadow of Israel’s wisest king. Yet, what unfolded in 1 Kings 12 reveals a painful truth: age, exposure, and pedigree do not automatically translate to wise decision-making.
 
His very first major decision as king led to the division of Israel—a once united kingdom shattered by poor judgment. This outcome calls for a critical look at the spiritual dynamics influencing decision-making.
 
Inherited Curses and Their Influence
 
Solomon’s latter years were stained by idolatry. The Scripture records, “his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God” (1 Kings 11:4). This spiritual compromise invoked divine judgement: “I will surely tear the kingdom away from you” (1 Kings 11:11). Although God spared Solomon in his lifetime, He appointed that the judgement would come during his son’s reign.
 
Thus, Rehoboam inherited more than a throne—he inherited the spiritual consequences of his father’s rebellion. When the people pleaded for lighter governance, Rehoboam responded harshly. The Scripture clarifies, “the turn of events was from the LORD, that He might fulfil His word” (1 Kings 12:15).
 
This scenario clearly reveals that not all decisions are what they appear to be on the surface. While some choices may seem political, strategic, or rational, they are often influenced by unseen spiritual forces. Behind what looks like common sense or sound judgment could be divine prompting—or subtle manipulation from the enemy. Human reasoning alone cannot always detect the spiritual dynamics at play. That is why Scripture urges us to walk by the Spirit and test every spirit (1 John 4:1), so our decisions align with God's will, not hidden spiritual deception.
 
The Clouding Effect of Sin
 
Habitual and unconfessed sins often blur discernment and weakens spiritual sensitivity. Raised in a palace where idol worship had become normalised, Rehoboam likely inherited not just his father’s authority but also his moral compromises. Like Solomon, he married many women and possibly indulged in similar sexual sins.
 
Sexual immorality carries spiritual consequences; it actually darkens counsel and numbs spiritual perception. Hence, Proverbs 6:32 says, “Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding.” No wonder, in today’s world, a grown man may abandon his devoted wife and starving children, lavishing money on a strange woman, enslaved by lust and blind to the ruin he’s bringing upon his family.
 
The Danger of Rejecting Godly Counsel
 
When faced with a leadership challenge, Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father. They urged him to serve the people and lighten their burdens. But his peers—young men with no spiritual track record—advised severity and authoritarianism. He rejected wise counsel and embraced prideful strategy.
 
His infamous words still echo today: “My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s waist” (1 Kings 12:10). Rehoboam mistook aggression for strength, pride for authority. He forsook the wisdom of the Spirit for the strategies of the flesh, and the people rebelled.
 
Key Lessons from Rehoboam’s Downfall
 
1. Wisdom Is Not Inherited—It Must Be Pursued
 
Solomon’s wisdom was legendary, but his son never sought the same grace. Being raised in a spiritual environment does not guarantee divine wisdom. Many second-generation Christians assume maturity simply because they grew up in church. But wisdom must be pursued, not presumed, if you must make wise decision in life.
 
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5).
 
2. Sin Pollutes Counsel and Clouds Judgment
 
Rehoboam’s atmosphere was already polluted by years of idolatry and indulgence. Pride, lust, and idolatry are not neutral forces—they are spiritual contaminants. The spirit of lust doesn’t just damage the body; it corrupts decisions. It hinders one from making sensible decision.
 
When sin becomes the norm, people choose pleasure over purpose, ambition over obedience, pride over humility and human strategy over the leading of the Spirit.
 
3. Maturity Without Discernment Is Dangerous
 
Rehoboam was forty-one—he was a matured adult. Yet, he lacked sound judgment. No wonder Job said, “Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice” (Job 32:9).
 
Age and experience without divine wisdom and spiritual discernment can still produce foolish decisions. Sadly, today, I have seen mature men and women—who ought to be filled with wisdom—become the very ones influencing others to make wrong decisions because they themselves are spiritually lukewarm.
 
4. Spiritual Atmosphere Affects Decisions
 
Ephesians 2:2 speaks of “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.” Rehoboam’s spiritual environment was compromised, and this influenced his decisions.
 
In many lives today, decisions are no longer birthed in prayer but shaped by logic, haste, and human strategy. When the altar of communion is forsaken, noise replaces the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. You can’t afford to fall for this trap.
 
5. Carnal Strategy Replaces Spirit-Led Direction
 
Rehoboam thought that being harsh and authoritarian would secure loyalty, but spiritual leadership requires sensitivity to God’s voice, not human force. Many individuals today fall into the same trap—making decisions based on pride, pressure, human strength or fear of losing relevance. Instead of seeking divine direction through prayer and the Word, they rely on manipulation, control, or worldly wisdom. Such choices may offer temporary benefits, but they hold no lasting or eternal value.
 
Contemporary Reflections for Believers
 
The lessons from Rehoboam's story are strikingly relevant in the lives of many Christians. Many individuals may find their decision-making impaired by unaddressed sins, generational curses, demons, the influence of ungodly counsel, satanic covenants in families or impending judgements.
 
Breaking the Cycle
 
To overcome these destructive dynamics, there is need to
 
1. Repent from Hidden Sins
 
Unconfessed sins—like lust, pride, bitterness, and greed—distort a person’s judgment and weaken spiritual sensitivity, ultimately leading to poor and destructive decision-making.
 
2. Acknowledge and Renounce Generational Curses
 
Recognize the patterns of sin inherited from previous generations and actively seek deliverance through prayer and adherence to God's word. Such curses should be broken through prayer, fasting coupled with God’s word.
 
3. Pursue Personal Holiness:
 
Commit to a lifestyle that rejects sin and embraces righteousness. Know that sin and other vices can significantly impair spiritual discernment. Let righteousness be your compass.
 
4. Seek and Heed Godly Counsel:
 
Value the wisdom of spiritually mature individuals and be willing to accept guidance that aligns with biblical principles. Age and experience do not exempt you from accountability neither does it hinder you from seeking counsel. Don’t walk alone. Surround yourself with wise, Spirit-filled mentors who are rooted in Scripture.
 
5. Prioritize Divine Guidance
 
Prioritise divine guidance above personal ambition. Let the Holy Spirit, not pressure or emotion, lead your steps. Wait patiently in prayer and discernment—never rush into major decisions without a clear, Spirit-confirmed direction from God. Obedience always precedes lasting success.
 
6. Discern the Spiritual Atmosphere:
 
Be spiritually alert to demonic influences that often disguise themselves as logic, ambition, or opportunity. As Scripture admonishes, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). Always pause and ask: Is this pressure from God or from selfish ambition? Am I being led by the Holy Spirit or driven by my own desires? Spiritual sensitivity is key to discerning God’s will in a world full of persuasive, yet deceptive, voices.
 
7. Cry Out for Mercy
 
When judgment looms because of past sins, appeal to the mercy of God. David prayed, “According to Your mercy remember me” (Psalm 25:7). Mercy breaks destructive cycles. Where judgment once clouded discernment, God’s mercy restores clarity, positioning you to walk in divine favour.
 
Conclusion
 
The reign of Rehoboam serves as a sobering warning to every believer and leader, illustrating how the spiritual realm can profoundly influence decision-making. Beloved, as you walk with Jesus in these challenging times, remember that worldly wisdom is insufficient. Your decisions must reflect the counsel of heaven. Therefore, allow the Holy Spirit to guide every decision you make so that you can stand firm and walk in divine wisdom for such a time as this.
 
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5–6.
 
©Gavin Aleogho 2025
 

SUFFERING FOR A LEADER’S SIN

 

Written by Gavin Aleogho

 
“Again the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, ‘Go, number Israel and Judah.’”
2 Samuel 24:1
 
There are seasons when the consequences of leadership ripple beyond the throne—sweeping the innocent into waves of suffering. Entire communities suffer, not necessarily because of their own actions, but because of the mistakes of their leaders. In such times, what is needed is not shallow blame or finger-pointing, but deep discernment and honest self-reflection.
 
While leadership failures often result in visible destruction, the true roots of a nation’s downfall often lie beneath the surface—in the hearts of the people.
 
In 2 Samuel 24, we are confronted with a sobering reality. God’s anger was kindled against Israel, and as a result, He moved David to conduct a census. While the act appeared to be David’s personal sin, Scripture is clear—the Lord was angry with Israel. Hence, we can conclude that the issue originated with the people, not the king.
 
We are not told exactly what Israel did, but something in their spiritual posture provoked divine displeasure. In His sovereign justice, God allowed David to fall into pride—a census that was driven by self-glorification.
 
The consequence was that seventy thousand Israelites dead. The plague struck indiscriminately. Families mourned. Innocent lives were lost.  Strangely, the sword of judgment did not strike David or his household directly. As is often the case, the people are the ones that often bore the brunt of a leader’s error.
 
Yet David, a God-fearing man, did not remain silent. He cried out in repentance: “Surely I have sinned… but these sheep, what have they done?” (2 Samuel 24:17).
 
A Question Worth Pondering
 
In moments like these, the wise must pause and reflect deeply:
 
How does a nation come to suffer for the sin of its leader?
 
Why do the mistakes of leaders carry such weight upon their followers?
 
Or rather, how does the hidden sin of a people provoke the fall of a leader, unleashing judgment across the land?
 
The Hidden Roots of Collective Guilt
 
Leadership is not just a position—it is influence. When the head falters, the body feels the blow. A leader's error is rarely isolated; it echoes through families, institutions, and generations.
 
God sees beyond appearances. Long before David’s mistake, the people had already grieved God—perhaps through idolatry, complacency, or silent rebellion. David’s fall was not the beginning of judgment, but the trigger of justice long overdue.
 
Ultimately, leaders often reflect the spiritual condition of their people. When a nation becomes corrupt, wicked, evil or immoral, God may allow its leaders to mirror that decline.
 
A Reflection of Nigeria's Situation
 
Nigeria is not so different from ancient Israel. We lament over corrupt leadership, but have we truly examined our national character? For decades, we have seen:
 

• Citizens selling votes for temporary gain, yet crying for deliverance.

• Churches filled with prayer, but empty of repentance or holiness.

• A youth culture that is driven more by trends than by truth and integrity.

• Civil servants demanding bribes simply to do their jobs.

• Parents raising children to pursue wealth, with little regard for values and virtue.

• A society quick to blame leaders, slow to examine itself.

• Religion used more to manipulate than to transform.

 
Is it any wonder that leaders rise who mirror the heart of the people?
 
Leadership and the Burden of Influence
 
Nigeria’s crisis is not merely political—it is spiritual. When God seeks to purge a nation, He exposes what is already decaying. Like Israel, God is holding up a mirror to us. Leaders may fall, but their fall is often permitted because the people have rejected divine order.
 
David chose pride, yet his fall was not isolated. God was already displeased with Israel. Leadership carries national consequences. When the head is wounded, the body bleeds.
 
Leadership does not stand alone. A corrupt people will breed corrupt rulers. A callous people will empower godless leaders. The plague may start at the top, but it draws its strength from sin at the bottom.
 
Our leaders must repent—and so must we. Like Israel, we must confess: “We have sinned too.”
 
Modern Plagues, Nigerian Version
 
In Israel, the plague was physical—people died. In Nigeria, we witness plagues of a different kind:
 

• Economic collapse

• Insecurity and terrorism

• Educational decay

• Healthcare breakdown

• Fuel scarcity in an oil-rich nation

• Youth unemployment

• Judicial corruption

• Moral confusion

• Leadership crisis

• Brain drain

• Religious commercialism

• Environmental neglect

• Tribal division

 
Who suffers most? The poor, the average citizen, and innocent children—just like Israel.
 
Leaders Must Take Responsibility
 
When David saw the destruction upon Israel, he did not defend himself. He did not summon soldiers or offer excuses. Instead, he fell before God and cried, “I have sinned… but these sheep, what have they done?” (2 Samuel 24:17).
 
Leaders must rise across all spheres—home, church, industry, classrooms, government, and missions. If the people are to return to righteousness, their leaders must model it. Leadership is not a title, but a call to embody godly conviction, moral courage, and sacrificial service that inspires lasting transformation.
 
David built an altar. On the threshing floor of Araunah, he offered a costly sacrifice. That sacred site later became the foundation of Solomon’s temple. From that place of repentance and surrender, God healed the land.
 
Nigeria, it’s time to build the altar again—not with mere words, but with broken hearts; not with empty ceremonies, but with deep repentance. From Aso Rock to the remotest villages, from cathedrals to classrooms, from markets to every homes—we must return to God. We must return to righteousness.
 
“Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.”
Proverbs 14:34
 
A Look at History
 
History bears witness to this tragic pattern—nations suffering for the sins of their leaders, with the leaders often mirroring the deeper moral state of the people.
 
Nazi Germany
 
Hitler did not rise in a vacuum. He emerged from a wounded, humiliated society, fractured after World War I. The church had lost its prophetic voice and nationalism had become idolatry in Germany. Hitler carried the unresolved bitterness of millions of his people. But in the end, it was not just the leader who suffered. Millions of Germans, including many who opposed him, perished in a war ignited by his ambition. Judgment fell, but the seeds had been sown long before—through years of spiritual and moral decline in the land.
 
Rwanda, 1994
 
The genocide was not solely the work of political leaders. It was fuelled by decades of ethnic hatred, colonial manipulation, and the silence of both religious and civic institutions. The leaders may have lit the match, but the people were already carrying the firewood.
 
Nigeria must not wait to become another cautionary tale. We must awaken now.
 
Church Leadership
 
Even within the church, the principle stands true: when spiritual leaders fall into error or immorality, the congregation suffers. Faith is shaken, and souls are wounded. Yet, such failures often follow a people who have stopped praying—whose itching ears prefer charisma over truth and comfort over conviction.
 
A Wake-Up Call
 
What must we do? First, abandon the temptation to blame leaders alone. Yes, leaders are accountable—but so are the people. God judges not only the leaders but also the hearts of the followers.
 
Let us pray for our leaders—not just for them to fear God, but for us to walk in His fear as well. Let us fast, not merely for political change, but for spiritual awakening among us. Let us vote with conscience, not just with PVCs. Let us raise children—not just for success, but for godliness.
 
From Repentance to Restoration
 
David caused the plague—but he ended it, on his knees, with sacrifice. Leaders must take responsibility. They must be ready to make sacrifice for the wellbeing of their followers. In the same vein, the people must do likewise. For it is written:
 
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14.
 
Nigeria, it’s time to build the altar, and healing will follow.

Gavin Aleogho 2025

ESCAPING THE TRAP OF PUBLIC OPINION

Written by Gavin Aleogho

                                            

Maria was a vibrant young lady, a devoted Christian, with a thriving career and great dreams of furthering her studies beyond the shores of her nation.

 

As she approached thirty, the talks and whispers around her grew deafening:

 

"Big sis, when are you getting married?" asked her younger sister, who had married a few months earlier.

 

"All your mates are settled," said her dear mother.

 

"A successful woman without a husband is a failure," declared one of her aunts.

 

"If you don’t marry in before 30, it will become more difficult as you grow older," said a marriage counsellor who was invited to speak to the youth on relationship matters.

 

At first, Maria brushed off the pressure, but over time, the weight of societal expectations bore heavily upon her heart. To silence the voices, she married Daniel at 32—a man she barely knew but who fit society’s idea of a “good husband.”

 

Maria’s dream of a blissful marriage soon turned into a nightmare. Daniel was controlling, emotionally abusive, and had no regard for her Christian faith or aspirations.

 

Over time, she lost herself completely. She abandoned her dreams, pouring all her energy into keeping her home and pleasing her husband.

 

After six painful years, Maria’s marriage ended in divorce. It was only then that she realised she had traded her identity, purpose, and dignity just to meet the expectations of the public. She had not really lived her dream but had been following the script others had written for her.

 

Sadly, the court of public opinion had sentenced her to a life of misery.

 

The Danger of Public Opinion

 

The court of public opinion is a powerful force that shapes how people live, feel, and react to life’s situations. It pressures individuals into making life-altering decisions based on human assumptions and traditions rather than divine direction.

 

Like Maria, many glorious destinies have been aborted because they succumbed to public pressure.

 

Time and again, I have heard heart-breaking stories of women seeking the fruit of the womb who, because of public stigma, have made desperate and ungodly choices. Some have stolen children, others have taken their own lives, and many have endured abusive marriages—all because of the crushing weight of societal judgment.

 

If public opinion were not a concern, many would handle their challenges differently, walking in faith rather than fear. Instead, the opinions of others has made a lot people to become victims of unnecessary pressure that God never intended for them.

 

As a young pastor, I battled with public opinion in the early years of our ministry. I was constantly sad and depressed, feeling inadequate—believing I was not measuring up to the so-called standard of success in ministry. I then understood why some in my position resort to desperate measures just to appear successful.

 

My deliverance came when I started seeing things from God’s perspective and turned a deaf ear to the standards set by men.

 

The peace, joy, and fulfilment I received from God in my secret place helped me to overcome public expectations of me.

 

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to free yourself from this trap. Your success is not determined by human validation but by God’s divine purpose for your life. I had to remind myself that my worth is measured by God, my Maker, and not by public opinion.

 

Reasons to Be Careful of Public Opinion

 

• Public opinions are not always correct.
• Public opinion may be true but may not align with God’s purpose for your life.
• Public opinion can distract you from your God-given purpose.
• Public opinion can cause you to miss God’s appointed time.
• Public opinion creates unnecessary pressure, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Public opinion often leads to unhealthy comparisons, resulting in insecurity and inferiority complexes.
• Public opinion ignores the uniqueness of your life and purpose.
• Public opinion can make decision-making difficult due to fear of what others will say.

 

Overcoming Public Opinion

 

You must learn to anchor your identity in Christ Jesus, knowing that your value is in Him, not in human opinions. In every matter, seek God’s validation. Like Paul, be content with God’s approval:

 

"For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10, NKJV)

 

Guard your heart against negative voices by surrounding yourself with godly counsellors. I thank God for the godly counsellors in my life, whom He has used to help me stay focused on my assignment in ministry, even in the midst of internal struggles.

 

Stand firm in faith and believe in yourself. Seek counsel where necessary, but do not allow the noise and opinions of men to dictate your life. You must develop strong confidence in your convictions. The reason many are easily swayed by every opinion is that they lack a firm foundation in what they believe.

 

Understand and appreciate God’s dealings in your life. This is a key secret that has greatly helped me. You must accept and appreciate your calling, uniqueness, and design. It is futile to use another man’s template to evaluate your life.

 

Let the Word of God be your guide couple with the weapon of prayer. Personally, I find comfort and reassurance in the place of prayer.

 

Trust the process that God is taking you through, and in His time, your testimony will silence every false opinion.

 

©GavinAleogho

REST FOR YOUR SOUL

 

Written Gavin Aleogho

                                                                                             

The soul is an immortal and central part of the man. It is the seat of the human conscience, mind, intellect, will and emotion. It is the aspect of the man that engages in thinking, decision-making, and feelings. It is different from the physical body or the spirit of the man, but central to both. The soul is an important aspect of a man because it determines both the spiritual and physical well-being of the individual.

 

The agitations that occur within a man are deeply rooted in the soul, where emotions, thoughts, and desires often collide together, leading to inner conflict, anxiety, and pressure coupled with restlessness. This is why it is often said that the soul is the battlefield where spiritual, emotional and mental battles take place, which directly influence a person’s behaviour and one's relationship with God.

 

There are several causes for the restlessness and agitation that take place in the soul. Chiefly among them is the problem of separation from God because of sin. Another reason is because of the corrupt world we find ourselves in, which is filled with problems, challenges, injustice, evil and wickedness. Other reasons for this agitation could be guilt, fear, anxiety, lust or demonic.

 

The good news I bring to you is that no matter the cause of the agitation you are experiencing, you can find rest for your soul. For there is no problem without a solution, and that is when God is involved.

 

The Lord Jesus Christ says, “28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

 

From the above scripture, you can see that you can actually find rest for your soul when you yield to the invitation of the Lord Jesus. The question then is, how can one apply the above scripture so as to achieve the rest that the scripture talks about?

 

First, you have to understand that there is a difference between the “rest” in Matthew 11:28 and the “rest” in Matthew 11:29.

 

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

 

The “rest” in Matthew 11:28 is the rest that comes to everyone who responds to the invitation of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a general “rest” that is available to anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord. This “rest” is given to anyone that is laden with the burden of sin and addiction. It is given free of charge. However, this “rest” in verse 28 is not as deep and lasting in comparison with  the “rest” that is talked about in verse 29.

 

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

Matthew 11:29

 

A deeper and richer form of “rest” is talked about in verse 29, and this is the “rest” that is capable of quenching all the agitations in the soul of man.

 

Beyond the broad invitation that guarantees the first level of rest, to find the second dimension of rest, you must go beyond the invitation that you’ve received to begin to take up the yoke of the Lord Jesus. It is when you take the yoke of the Lord upon your lives that you begin to discover and experience this deep rest. While the first “rest” is given, you will have to find the second “rest” by yourself as you walk with Christ.

 

This second dimension of God’s rest is a rest that transcends the physical or the happenings around. It’s a rest that is suited for all the components of the soul: mind, will and emotion. When you decide to yoke yourself with the Lord, you will begin to experience this ultimate rest, which comes from above and transcends all human understanding.

 

With this rest, what makes others agitated will no longer make you afraid or agitated because of this deep-seated rest in your inner being. This was the rest that the Lord Jesus Christ exhibited when He was sleeping in the midst of the storm that caused others to be agitated.

 

Sadly, only a few believers have been able to find this rest for their souls. Many followers of Jesus Christ are experiencing the same agitations that the people of the world are experiencing. This ought not to be.

 

The question remains, how can you take up the yoke of the Lord so as to experience this deeper dimension of God’s rest?

 

When two animals are yoked together, since both animals do not have the same will (desire) or equal strength, the stronger animal determines the course of action of the weaker animal. Right?

 

In the same vein, to take up the Lord’s yoke is to bring your life, will and desire under the control of the Lord Jesus Christ. And this can only be achieved through a personal and a closer walk with Jesus Christ.

 

It implies bringing your life under the control and influence of the person of the Holy Spirit who begins to determine the course of your actions.

 

It is when the Lord becomes your Boss and Master, directing the cause of your life, that you will find this deep rest, which was further explained in Psalms 23.

 

Never forget this: if you don’t take the Lord’s yoke voluntarily, you can’t experience this deeper dimension of God’s rest.

 

May the Lord help you, in Jesus name.

 

©Gavin Aleogho

THE SALTLESS CHRISTIAN

 

Written Gavin Aleogho

 

There was this charismatic and energetic assistant Pastor who was very good in leading the Church in congregational prayers. He was loved by all. This young man was caught in the act of sexual immorality. After proper investigation, it was discovered that that was his first time indulging in such an act.

 

Before the incidents, his ministry was greatly appreciated and celebrated for he was also a good Bible study teacher. Sadly, after the incident, he lost his respect in the Church. That is the consequence of a Christian losing his saltiness.

 

It is common knowledge that we the followers of Jesus Christ are the salt of the earth. However, not many Christians are aware of the fact that they can lose their saltiness, like the young Pastor.

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly stated the fact that a salt can actually lose its saltiness. “Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?”  Luke 14:34.  Hence, the Lord encourages us to, “Have salt in yourselves.” Mark 9:50.

 

In my journey in the faith, I have seen Christians with amazing ministry, who were once cherished by everyone. Their lives and testimonies drew many to the Lord.  However, in the process of time, they misbehaved and did things that turned the heart of people against them. Such singular carelessness caused them to lose their saltiness and tarnished their image.

 

There are a lot of things that can cause a Christian to lose his saltiness. Some of which are a lying tongue, wrong approach to offences, living a hypocritical life, sexual perversion, wrong attitude to money and poor interpersonal relationship skill. These things can make people turn their backs against the faith. Nobody should reject the gospel because of your manner of living.

 

One of the wonderful things that happened to me right from when I gave my life to Christ were the amazing brethren, whose lives have greatly influenced and motivated me to stay on the path of righteousness. These brethren were the salt that the Lord used to preserve me in the way of the Lord. For salt is a preservative agent.

 

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the believers, coupled with all the investments of God, are what makes the believers the salt of the earth. We are expected to bring the flavour of the salt in our lives to everyone and everywhere we find ourselves. Our salt is a preservative agent in the midst of the corruption in our world. Hence, we are supposed to positively influence everyone who comes across.

 

As beautiful as this experience is, it is important to note that a Christian can lose his saltiness. A little folly, careless talk, sinful habits, and a double standard life can make one lose the flavour of his salt.

 

For the story of the assistant pastor, I believed that God forgave him, but it was difficult for men to forgive or even forget about the issue and trust him again. This is what happens when a Christian loses their saltiness. The effectiveness of his ministry was lost in that congregation. Even though his ministry can still be restored, it will take time for his image to be redeemed.

 

To destroy is very easy, but it is very difficult to build back what has been destroyed. A man can destroy overnight what took many years to build. This is why you have to be very careful about losing your salt. You must get rid of every little fox that is capable of spoiling your vine. (Song of Solomon 2:15).

 

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”

Proverbs 22:1.

 

I remember the story of a once renowned man of God who was greatly loved and revered by Christians in many nations of the world. He lost his respect and honour because of a sexual scandal that came up. The scandal didn’t just affect the church that he pastored; it also affected the demand for his ministry. Even his books and messages, which were in hot demand, were no longer valued.

 

The Effect Of Losing Your Saltiness

 

The effect of losing your salt is enormous. The Lord Jesus said, “…if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”  Matthew 5:13

 

Here are some consequences of losing your salt:

 

i.   Your ministry and testimony will be rejected.

ii.  You won’t be able to influence anyone positively.

iii. People’s hearts towards you will be closed.

iv. Your reputation and integrity will be at stake

v.  It will be difficult for men to trust you again.

vi. People will begin to see you from a bad light.

 

Like I said early, God would definitely forgive you if you repent, but it may be difficult for men to forgive and accept your ministry again. It will take time, grace and God’s mercy for the heart of men to be open to your ministry.

 

How To Maintain The Flavour Of Your Salt

 

1. Live with wisdom. Think before you act.

 

2. Always think of your integrity and the many years it took you to build your reputation.

 

3. Continuously crucify the flesh while you live by the Spirit.

 

4. Cultivate the habit of drawing strength from God on a daily basis through prayers to face each day.

 

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

1 Corinthians 10:12,

 

Meditate on this.

 

©Gavin Aleogho