RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH

 RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH

“Honour clouds discernment.”

That sentence came from my daughter—young, observant, and deeply passionate about the kingdom of God. It struck me not because it was clever, but because it was accurate. In one short line, she captured a growing tension within the body of Christ that many sense but struggle to articulate.

We are living in a time when theological novelty is often mistaken for revelation, and visibility is subtly confused with authority. Across pulpits and platforms, ideas are being packaged and projected simply because they are new, provocative, or capable of generating attention. The race to be the first to say something—anything—has, in some cases, replaced the burden to say what is true.

This is not merely a problem of preachers. It is also a problem of listeners.

In Acts, the Berean believers were commended because they searched the Scriptures daily to verify what they heard (Acts 17:11). Their posture was neither cynical nor passive. It was discerning. Today, however, applause often replaces examination. Loyalty to a personality can override loyalty to Scripture. 

Honour, when detached from discernment, becomes dangerous—not because honour is wrong, but because it is powerful.

And power, when unexamined, can distort judgment.

Ministers of the gospel must be especially careful here. Social affirmation is not neutral. Likes, shares, invitations, and online momentum can quietly become motivators, even when the intention started pure. A message can begin as conviction and end as performance. When that happens, the question subtly shifts from “Is this faithful?” to “Will this be received?”

Scripture never calls ministers to be socially acceptable. It calls them to be faithful stewards.

Paul described himself and others as “stewards of the mysteries of God” and then added, “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1–2). Faithfulness is heavier than popularity. It requires restraint, accuracy, humility, and sometimes silence. Not every insight needs a microphone. Not every thought needs an audience.

There is a sobering weight to speaking as a priest of God. Words shape doctrine. Doctrine shapes belief. Belief shapes lives. To handle the gospel casually is to mishandle something holy.

The gospel is not a stage act.

It is not content.

It is not a brand.

It confronts the kingdoms of this world. It exposes pride. It humbles human wisdom. It announces a crucified King. That message will never be fully compatible with entertainment culture, no matter how creatively it is framed.

Yet this is not a call to suspicion or hostility. It is a call to sobriety and love.

Correction in the body of Christ must flow from grace, not superiority. The goal is not to silence voices but to refine them. The answer to error is not mockery, but truth spoken clearly and patiently. The answer to misplaced honour is not dishonour, but restored discernment.

We must honour leaders—yes—but not at the expense of Scripture.

We must celebrate gifts—yes—but not suspend judgment.

We must listen generously—yes—but also examine carefully.

Both ministers and members share this responsibility.

If we recover discernment, honour will return to its rightful place: not as a blindfold, but as a response to faithfulness. And when truth, love, and accountability walk together again, the church will speak with clarity—not to entertain the world, but to bear witness to Christ.

© Friday January 23rd, 2026

Pastor Emmanuel Obu 

The Apostle of Joy