Be not MANY Masters

Just because you CAN start a camp does not mean you SHOULD. Just because you CAN take the role of a Captain, Deacon, Apostle, or Bishop does not mean YOU should. Yes, we do need people to fulfill those rolls within a congregation or camp. However, that does not mean it should be you personally. Why?

James 3:1 KJVS

[1] My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Let’s get the Strong’s Concordance definition of “master” as provided below.

Strong's Number

G1320

Original Word

διδάσκαλος

Transliterated Word

didaskalos

Phonetic Spelling

did-as'-kal-os

Parts of Speech

Noun Masculine

Strong's Definition

From G1321; an instructor (generally or specifically): - doctor, master, teacher.

The scriptures let us know that we should not strive to have “many” instructors, teachers, or rather those who are chief in authority or chief in those positions. Why? Because you are held to a higher standard before both God and man. And if not executing righteousness in all things properly you should KNOW that you will be judged or punished more severely by the Most High. Because more lives are in your hands. And the people will be that much more offended by your words or actions.

James 3:2

[2] For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. [3] Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

This is not saying that leaders just go around offending everybody. But rather, in many things one may SAY or DO you have the potential to offend. Even if it was not intentional. If you can avoid that you do well. Maybe you said you were going to call a brother or sister back. You may have fallen asleep, got caught up with works of the ministry or even just forgot. Yet, for that brother or sister they took you at your word and what you said you were going to do. They were waiting. And you let them down. And they could seriously be hurt and that could cast a significant stumbling block before them. Now some level of respect or trust is lost. Some won’t be offended at all. Some you can rectify the situation with ease. Others, it is a wound that will leave a scar. Situations are case by case as different things offend different people more than others. And we can process things differently even from the same exact experience.

Secondly, everything you do is now magnified and put under the microscope. For both you and your family. It doesn’t matter if a congregant does the same thing you do as an apostle or any other leader. You have more authority and responsibility given to you, you should be the example. Else why are you leading? You would be no better than a dog that does not bite nor bark. It is uncomely for you as a leader to argue with a congregant for something such as being late and they see you do the same. You would only look foolish. Because at the end of the day who should be setting the standard or example? As a leader you can always try to measure sticks on performance but you will always come up short. Why do you think Christ and Paul was on Peters head so much? Because he was the head. If he ain’t right what does that say for the body? Again, the saying is, “follow me as I follow Christ.” Not follow me on some things and overlook the rest or look to someone else.

2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 KJVS

[7] For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; [8] Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: [9] Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. [10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

2 Thessalonians 1:1 KJVS

[1] Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

This was what Paul, who we know was an apostle and Timotheus who we find in the scriptures was a bishop set up over a “sister branch” of their organization as the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians who we find that Paul groomed, was saying unto those of their church/ organization that were in Thessalonica. Paul made sure to move in a certain way as an apostle to ensure the people couldn’t charge any of them for moving in a way that was not wise let alone righteous. It is an easy thing for people to become offended or begin to blame or accuse one of something. Which in turn hurts both you and the ministry.

James 3:1-3 KJVS

[1] My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. [2] For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. [3] Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

As leaders, similar to a person on horseback, you have the power through your words and actions to turn about the body and the members within. This is done through your example, your lessons, your counsel. You can tell someone something to save their life or destroy it. Get them closer to salvation or further away from it. That is a lot of power. Which is why James says what he says. Although this is possible for anyone to do. The leader is in the primary position to do it. It comes with the territory and job description. As when you are a leader you naturally have followers. The goal isn’t to have MANY in that position but a few to get the job done effectively. Look at the scriptural examples. They chose 12 bishops and 7 deacons and kept those numbers consistent and chose the best out of them to serve in those offices. Most people were simply disciples, yet they still had other offices. Some were teachers, some were evangelist, etc. * I have not found a number for how many apostles.

Ecclesiastes 8:9 KJVS

[9] All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.

Some will only do worse in that position not better. For they may only occupy the space to end up being a hurt to others. Not that this is their intention. They just might not be ready. Even if they have all the knowledge needed, they may even be groomed. However, to know is completely different from the ability to apply and execute. Again, they just may simply not be in a stable situation concerning their household. If my children are not in order or my spouse, although I CAN lead, I should NOT do so lest the word be blasphemed. Once I get those things in order then I may lead effectively. All it takes is one altercation and someone to say, “Oh that’s the deacons wife.” “Oh, that’s the Bishops wife acting like that.” And now my role as a leader has lost force. Due to the negative reflection of my house as a whole. It is really a chess game even though if you're like me you may prefer checkers. Hell, even four in a row. This is a primary reason why Christ and Paul rocked the single life. And encouraged others who desire to maximize their output for the Most High to do the same. As marrying will bring you trouble in the flesh. And it may stagnate you and the effectiveness of your leadership. You could be a great leader in your twenties get married and then be a bad leader in your thirties due to your spouses actions. Or have children who have gotten in the teenage years and you may be in your forties and now you look bad because of how they are behaving. Even if they are grown but spent many years in this word or were born in it.

It is much easier to lead in this walk or prepare someone to lead when you only have to be accountable for your words and actions and no spouses or children are involved. Eli was a great leader, seer/ prophet in the nation and so was Samuel who he groomed. But both had wicked kids, so much so that Eli got put to death for it even though he was old and his kids were fully grown! You ain’t off the hook! And the whole reason why the people wanted a king because Samuels kids weren’t “in the truth”, as we say, “they followed not the Lord.” This is the battlefield. And for some it can be so intense it can create a “you versus me” or “us versus them” mentality. Because I have to have my guards up. And can’t get too relaxed in word or deed lest I offend. Need it be my actions or my households. You could have been a great leader when you were single, then you get married and can’t rule your house. You could have been great when your kids were young but when they hit them teenage years your house is all out of order. Tough but this is the battlefield, when you lead your family comes with you.

Furthermore, being a leader takes a totally different mindset. Think of it like the transition from employee to employer/ management. Usually there is a known boundary or gap. Same in the military, enlisted vs non commissioned officers or (NCO’s). When you are a leader you have not only separation of rank and authority but also mindset and mentality. Even certain standards to uphold. If you can’t uphold the standard get out of the way. You will not only end up hurting yourself but the word and others. As it dominoes, I look bad, my name, my house, my leaders, my organization, and my God all looks bad. And it can cause splits, rebellion, uprisings, you name it. All depends on what offenses are made, how many and how often. Yet, the blood is on your hands. So tread carefully.

Numbers 14:4 KJVS

[4] And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

Don’t allow people to gas you up either. For they may be doing it for the wrong reasons. And when you lead be sure you are fully aware of what direction you are going in. Lest at any time you begin to lead people back into Egypt; back into bondage. The people will talk. If things are good they will speak on the good. If things are bad they will speak on the bad.

Numbers 16:1-3 KJVS

[1] Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men : [2] And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: [3] And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord ?

These men were not just nobody’s. They were men of reputation amongst the people. They had influence. Nor was it only a couple of them that stood up. It was about two hundred and fifty of them. Princes meaning rulers/ leaders over the people. Howbeit, under Moses’s leadership. Which some from among them and the people in general disagreed with. Yet, they were wrong! They were thinking as “men” instead of as “gods” or “holy men”. And this lead astray many and got themselves and others put to death. Just because one agrees or disagrees on something does not mean it is just or correct.

1 Corinthians 9:27 KJVS

[27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

You have to fight that much harder to stay the course. Lest you being a leader in office have taught and preached unto others. Yet, you never made sure you were completely righteous in every step you were taking and you fall away. There is no tribulation or sin blocker for leaders. You are subject to all of the same pitfalls as everyone else. And even the more, as Satan will push harder for you to fall. Because as the scriptures say, “Smite the shepherd and the sheep will scatter.” If I want to destroy the body, cut off the head, the body dies.

1 Corinthians 3:10 KJVS

[10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

Be very mindful of how you build and what foundation you are building on. This is done through how you execute everything. Departments, doctrines, classes etc. Some changes are good but others may be a turn in the wrong direction. As we build, from our respective homes and camps, each of us is building a great house that is only part of a bigger house; which house is Christ’s. That you do for a time until someone else takes over as the person did before you. And as with any process of building, architects must be good, construction workers must be good, materials must be good and the structure must be good, lest it fall or deteriorate.

I pray you take the time to assess yourself and see what your strengths and weaknesses are and see if you are apt to lead in a higher capacity. And then evaluate your household, is your wife and/ or children ready? Do you need six months? Maybe a year to get a few things in order? It would be wiser to button up those loose ends first. You don’t have to be in the Most economically sustainable situation. But you must be spiritually and mentally stable both you and your spouse(s). And ensure your leadership team is the same. If not, there is no shame in taking a little time to do so.

2 Timothy 3:8-14 KJVS

[8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. [9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. [10] But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, [11] Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. [12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. [13] But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. [14] But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them ;