A follower of Jesus Christ must realize that in the mind of God a headache is no different from brain cancer and a minor rash no different than a severe case of shingles. Scripture urges believers to “put on the mind of Christ” for this reason as well as other reasons. Any person truly used as a pastor by Jesus Christ to shepherd, guide and instruct a congregation of God’s people must have this mindset. “Is ANYONE sick (notice the severity of the sickness does not enter in at all here)? Let him call for the elders (plural – Christ’s true assemblies do NOT have single pastors or elders), and let THEM pray (the prayer OF LIVING FAITH) over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord (as indication they believe Jesus Christ is doing the healing), and the prayer of (true, living, believing) faith WILL (not “might”) save the sick, and the Lord will raise him (or her) up.” (See James 5:14-15). And then verse 16 adds, “Confess your trespasses to one another (if you have sinned against a brother or sister), and pray for one another, THAT YOU MAY BE HEALED (as unconfessed and unforsaken sin hinders and obstructs God from acting). The effective, fervent prayer OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN avails much.”
Many modern day church elders/pastors are not righteous men and they know it. Therefore their prayers are ineffective. Many congregations have abandoned following James’ counsel because they found it doesn’t work for them. It doesn’t work for them for two reasons: they lack living, vital faith when praying and they live unrighteous lives, continually practicing some sin or sins that impedes their prayers. Then again many assemblies are filled with unconverted members, men and women who actually do not possess God’s mighty Holy Spirit. Ditto for many pastors. So they argue, “Oh, that advice was given long before we had doctors and modern medicine. Now that we have skilled surgeons and physicians and the pharmaceutical companies we can ignore James’ counsel and instruction.” Then again many pastors have deluded themselves into thinking God “called” them to preach and shepherd a congregation when such is not the case at all. They might mean well. They might be faithful husbands and excellent parents, but they ain’t Jesus Christ’s true representatives.
Think on the above. I have NOT misquoted scripture. I have NOT taken anything out of context. I have given you the plain and simple truth of God’s inspired Word.
Christ’s Aged Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley