There is so much zeal for the kingdom of God that merely has to do with sensual indulgence, as Paul says in Colossians 2:23. And Jesus said of people, who had prophesied in His name and had driven out demons in His name, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:23). And another time He said, ‘Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it’ (Luke 16:16b).
So that means, there will be lawless intruders trying to get hold of the kingdom of God.
Of course, none of us wants to belong to this group of people or to be influenced by the likes of them.
Jesus gave His church the gift of distinguishing between spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10), so that by the spirit - the attitude in which someone is doing God’s work - we can distinguish whether or not this person is truly a servant of God.
Are we driven by self-love or by love to the living Lord? Do we long to serve the kingdom of God or do we want to be part of an impressively growing organization?
In Paul’s life, it became apparent how much he loved the Lord. All hardships and tribulations have not kept him from being not only a servant of Jesus, but also a loving, devoted servant of the faithful (:5). And the blessings resulting from his work, did not magnify Paul, but glorified God!
Let us pray to God for a broken spirit, so that we will never lord it over someone else’s faith, but instead will work with them for their dedication to Him.