Professional Christianity!
by Andy Taylor
When walking down the Biblical Prophets’ Hall of Fame you will be sure to find Amos! He was one of the minor prophets who dealt some pretty weighty blows as he pronounced God’s judgment upon Israel for its complacency, idolatry and oppression of the poor. Yet when he was told by Amaziah to leave Bethel and to stop bothering them with his prophecies he makes a very interesting statement.
He declares that he’s neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet. In the NLT version of the Bible it says ‘I’m not one of your professional prophets’. What Amos is basically saying is that he had no special heritage, training or experience to do what he was doing. He was a simple shepherd who took care of fig trees, yet God called him away from his flock and told him to go and prophesy to the people of Israel.
On an increasing level we’re being told that we need professionals in the church - whether it be professional teachers, apostles, intercessors or even healers. The fact is that God doesn’t need professionals to do His work. He needs people who are willing to follow Him in obedience, no matter what. There’s a reason why God says in 1 Corinthians 1:27 that He will choose things the world classes as foolish to confound the wise – Amos is a case in point!
Are you held back from serving God because you don’t think you’re enough of a professional in that area? Look again at the Scriptures – if God is interested in calling shepherds who look after fig trees to do His work, He’s also interested in calling you to do His work.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the giftings you have given. I offer them into your hands for you to use - I want to be obedient to you and do whatever you ask me to do. In Jesus. Amen
Andy Taylor is Director of Ellel Grange, UK National Director and is a member of the Executive Leadership of Ellel Ministries. He joined the team in 1991 and has served the Lord at Ellel Ministries centres in the UK, Australia and the USA. Andy is married to Cath and they have three boys.
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