There is a dreaded disease that strikes at the heart of every person in the world. This disease also is the most devious of all, because it psychologically makes one think they are actually well.
This disease, unfortunately, can be found in many churches. It is nothing new, but has been around even before there was any such thing as a church. Just what is it? What makes it so dangerous? And, what is the cure?
This disease is much like glaucoma. You do not even know you have it until it is too late.
Here are the symptoms:
- Self Accomplishment
- Self Righteousness
- Self Satisfaction
- Self _________
Also, the “Ugotta Disease” is spread by “pastors” who bludgeon their congregations with how much serving they need to do in the church. The problem is that it is really easy to get discouraged, rather than edified – which is the purpose of preaching!
The “Ugotta Disease” is so sinister, because it’s a disease that saps the life and liberty in Christ Jesus from so many Christians who have been redeemed, set free, by the Grace of God, only to regress back into the bondage of legalism. Human endeavor is placed along with, and often even ahead of, the Grace of God in life!
“Ugotta” join the church! “Ugotta” attend every single meeting of the assembly!! “Ugotta” serve! “Ugotta” join a small group! “Ugotta” do something for Jesus! There is no end in sight for this pandemic called the “Ugotta Disease!”
UGOTTA, UGOTTA. UGOTTA. UGOTTA,UGOTTA, UGOTTA!
Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah!
Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. – Galatians 4:8-11
Well, I would admit that all those things can indeed be good works, not in order to gain favor with the Lord, but because you have gained favor with Him, because of the “faith of the operation of God:
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. – Colossians 2:10-12
You see what happens should be this. The Believer does good works as a reflection of the good work that was done to him, or her. You know, Jesus Christ, and His Grace, is the most important thing we, as believers, possess. We are to grow. In the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus!
The Apostle Peter, to his audience said something so amazing, and applicable to us today (where many claim that we need experience, rather than knowledge):
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: – 2 Peter 1:1-3
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. – 2 Peter 3:11-18
I get so sad when I hear a pastor berating his people beating those in his care into submission in order to do good works. And, they say that it’s for the benefit of others. But, what happens is that discouragement sets in. One can never meet the expectations. This methodology will lead you to question God, rather than the bludgeoning church leader.
The Apostle Paul dealt with such leaders in Corinth, who put themselves on a pedestal, and denigrated him, and his ministry:
For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. 20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. – 2 Corinthians 11:19-20
Doesn’t that sound like much of Christianity today?
What was Paul’s position on the role of the pastor?
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. 24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. – 2 Corinthians 1:20-24
The Biblical pastor is one who declares the full counsel of God, who edifies, and exhorts, the congregation by the Word of God, primarily in the manifold blessings IN Christ Jesus. It is so easy to grow faint in our walk, especially when we look to our own selves, rather than the faith of Christ!
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. – Romans 3:21-26
…for by faith ye stand!
Bob Picard Pastor, God’s Grace Bible Church, Millbury, MA
info@godsgracebc.org / http://www.godsgracebc.org
SUPPLY OF GRACE 
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