Are you connected to the Body of Christ?

A clique (pronounced /ˈkliːk/, also /ˈklɪk/ (U.S.)) is an exclusive group of people who share common interests, views, purposes, patterns of behavior, or ethnicity.[1] A clique as a reference group can be either normative or comparative. Membership in a clique is typically exclusive, and qualifications for membership may be social or essential to the nature of the clique. (Info taken from Wikipedia)

On yesterday evening Father placed within my heart to pray & intercede for every person who has ever been rejected, separated, pushed aside or discounted by people who said that they had no value when it  came to ministry in the Kingdom of God. As I prayed my heart went back to all of the times when I have personally been cast out so to speak from people who rejected me because I did not fit into their mold or way of doing things because I was seen as different or peculiar. This past Sunday my Apostle and Pastor taught an awesome message  about people who have been thrown into a pit by other people. I rejoiced because I had been there in that place many times before, too many to even name.

Looking back over the 30 years that I have worked in ministry (from singing in the youth choir at age 15 to serving at a local Nashville nursing home) I have seen many cliques formed. When cliques are in full operation, you will begin to see an increase in wounded and rejected people within the church because the sole purpose of a clique is separation.  If you are part of a ministry group and you begin to notice that mini-sub groups are being formed within that ministry where only a select few are offered admittance than you are seeing a clique in action. Mind you, I am not talking about cell groups or ministry within a church setting, because these are bilibical (see Acts 2) What is on the heart of the Father today is concern for those who operate or participate in the gathering of cliques within the Body of Christ. These are not biblical nor do they serve or benefit a  kingdom purpose.

The Body of Christ was officially established in the book of Acts chapter 2 when those assembled in the upper room were together in one place and on one accord. In Acts 2: 42-47, it details how the body of believers operated. ^"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." They were blessed beyond measure because they were connected to the Body of Christ.

So if you find yourself connected to a sub-group within the body of Christ and it's sole purpose is to scatter and not gather then you are operating contrary to true kingdom purpose. The word of God in Luke 11:23 says "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters."

Know that God loves each and every one of his children and He is not a respector of persons. His desire to have relationship and fellowship with all of His children including the ones who have been cast to the side and rejected. Ask the Lord to forgive, heal and restore you on today if you have taken part in any cliques, know that He is waiting with out stretched loving arms to receive you back into the fold.

Blessings

Arnita L. Fields