THE ABUSE OF ANOTHER MAN'S PLATFORM!

THE EVIL OF ABUSING ANOTHER MAN'S PLATFORM!

"But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him"

2 Kings 5:20 KJV

Dear Man of God! Be careful how you use the platform provided to you by others. 

What is a platform? 

A platform is a stage that showcases you to the people. It can be pulpit, a recommendation, a church, a privilege, a mantle, a name. When a friend invites you to preach, his church and the pulpit is the platform that showcases you. If you use the name of a popular church or popular minister for publicity of a program, you are using their platform. If you are sent or recommended by a known and well respected ministry or a minister for a program, you are using their platform. 

Platforms arrograte to you the same honour and recognition the sender was meant to have if he was physically present. It puts the sender on the spotlight whenever he extends such privilege to another for use.

The major problem of ministers today is the abuse of such a privilege and platforms afforded to them. 

In the above scripture, we see Gehazi who was a servant to prophet Elisha in a story that clearly reflects the case scenario before us. 

In this story a notable miracle has been done and Naaman, A rich and notable captain was healed of leprosy. After the miracle, he offered a reward to Prophet Elisha who refused any of his goodwill gestures. But Gehazi filled with greed thought otherwise and decided to indirectly get something from Naaman. At this point he was still a trainee prophet and couldn't have used his stature or office to convince Naaman about his devious scheme. So he adopted a deception using the platform of his master by saying.... "My master hath sent me".

"And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments" 2kings5:22

This statement is where many ministers have subterfuged the place of honour. It was clear that Elisha didn't send him. But that was the only tool he could use to achieve his aim. And as predicted, Naaman conceeded to such deciet because he in actual fact was honourimg Elisha. it is important for us to note that When men honour you, it most likely they are doing such out of respect for the people that sent you or the platform that showcases you. When they receive you, it is because they honour and love the man behind you. 

Have you used another man's platform for personal gain in recent times? 

Have you been trusted to deliver on an errand and you ran your own agenda?

How many times have you used anothers man's influence as an object to popularise yourself?

Have you been temporarily kept in charge of a man's altar and pulpit but ended up swindling the hearts of his members to yourself?

Have you dramatically displayed prowess when in front of the people you are sent to and unwares to them downplayed the honour of your sender for personal gains?

Were you honoured in a place where another man's platform you used and hid the rewards in your tent and didn't report yourself to the people that sent you and submitted to their prerogative on the way to respond?

Have you become so popular that you are now using your fame to run down the man you rose through his ranks?

Are you still loyal and trustworthy to your fathers in the ministry or has gains and fame destroyed your allegiances? 

A platform can work for you while you are under it or outside it. One can use a platform positively or negatively (like gehazi).

Negative use is to pull down, abuse. 

Positive use is to build up and loyalty.

In Genesis13:9-10, Lot became rich because of Abraham. And when they couldn't dwell together again there was a need to part ways and Abraham gave lot the opportunity to chose which place to go. Lot should have allowed Abraham to chose first as a mark of courtesy and submission, but he was swayed with a greedy heart. He chose ahead of his Uncle and source of his wealth but in the end he lost all to Sodom. 

Just like Lot, Gehazi thought that there won't be repercussions of his devious ways and actions, but there was. Elisha cursed him and his destiny ended him up as a leper.

Be careful when you take advantage of others especially those by whose platforms you came into prominence. They must not be taken for granted. Many have ended up as lepers and others lost all they acquired by such means. A curse causeless will not come, but when it is caiseful, what can the righteous do? You might not be cursed as was Gehazi, but God in heaven who is the father of all spirits will see you as not qualified for the honour and true riches that only Heaven can afford. 

Be guided. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 

Let us pray!