Wait A Minute Preacher!
As a preacher, never get angry that your people are not using or running with the words you teach. Don't get angry with them if they are not running with your message (at least not all the times). The message may not be for now, it may be for an appointed time in their lives. Remember Habakkuk 2:2-3, that says "...write the vision and make it plain, so that He that reads will run with it but remember the vision is for an appointed time. It will surely speak at the end and it will not lie. Though it tarries wait for it. Because it tarries, it will surely come; it will not tarry".
As a preacher/teacher, yours is to wait for it, the Word will surely work in their lives, they will get it. Some listening to you will get it instantly and run with it, some will get it later and thank God for your life but some will get it much later in their lives and they will never ever forget you; even when you are no longer with them.
Yours Is to write down the vision in their hearts clearly not vaguely (make it plain), wait for it in the place of prayer, praying that these words will enlighten their understanding and be profiting to them. Your place is not to struggle to make them 'get it or catch it', or force them to catch it.
If you remember that it is His word; God's word and not yours, you will have a better understanding, okay. The scriptures says "He (God) gave His Word and great was the company of those who publish it. As a publisher, like other publishers, you are to publish your work (His Word) and pray that people buy it and ask for more. Let's stop the skimmings and manipulations. God's words doesn't need that.
I am aware that publishers need to be apt at their skills for marketing to sell their works and I am not saying preachers of God's word shouldn't serve God's words or their messages in 'Gold Plates' or get better at it; my simple saying is, stop struggling over God's word, pray and talk to Him. Stop trying to force them to get it. Instead of getting angry over the people not getting it or receiving the word, go back to the owner of the word on your kneels and ask the holy spirit to help you and the people to understand better.
You don't have to manipulate or skim the people, if it is His Word, it won't fall to the ground unless it has accomplished what He has sent it to do. The entrance of His word, giveth light and understanding to the simple.
See yourself as "The Sower". Keep praying that the cares of this world will not choke God's Word in their hearts, pray that the enemy will not deceive them nor remove God's Word from their hearts. It is always good to pray that the hearts of your people will be fertile for God's Word.
As a preacher, it is good to sharpen your skills, get refresher courses and you owe it a duty to present God's Words in the best ways you can and as the Holy spirit helps you.
The Word and the People are His, don't manipulate either. Be patient with the people.
Its okay to teach the people principles, its okay to mentor and train people, I admonish it.
Your people are not useless, don't get frustrated: His Word works!
Personal Experience - about 8years ago, my pastor in the branch where I was then, Rev. Ikenna Orakwue, preached a message "YOU DROPPED IT, PICK IT UP" and I will never forget that message, its in my heart. It may not have been relevant or useful then but it is what I am falling back on now, that is why you are reading this epistle today.
Please Wait a minute preacher, don't give up on your people or the word of God, don't give up on God . His Word works and there is power in the word of God. Remain Blessed and Motivated.
