Paul’s description of the enemies of the cross suggests that they were controlled by their bellies. Paul may have meant something other than appetite when he used the word belly, but there can be no doubt that the idea is included. In Romans 16:18, Paul said that “they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly.” In other words, those who are divisive and doctrinally unsound are led by their own lusts. The outcomes of their desires focus upon fulfilling their own lusts which Proverbs and Ecclesiastes reinforce. In Proverbs 16:26, the Bible says that man “laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.” This is repeated in Ecclesiastes 6:7 where the Bible says, “All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.” These are just a few biblical examples of those ruled by appetite.
Sometimes we forget that the first four letters of the word ministry spell out the word “mini.” Ministry is never about becoming popular or famous or lording over others. Ministry involves decreasing while allowing others to increase. Two of the greatest men of the Bible (Joshua and Elisha) got their start as ministers to their predecessors. Before Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, he was the minister of Moses (Joshua 1:1). His ministry entailed submitting himself to the needs of the man of God. Elisha, another great leader, did not begin as the great prophet of God that performed miracles. He, instead, began as Elijah’s minister (1 Kings 19:19-21). His ministry included the “lofty task” of pouring water on the hands of Elijah. Far too many young men graduate Bible college with the intention of making a name for themselves rather than humbly serving a God who humbled Himself (Philippians 2:8).
