A funny conversation ensued between me and my younger daughter the other day. In the conversation, I called her, “My dear.” Her response made me laugh and also passed a message across to me; “I am not your dear o.” I asked her, why? She said, “I’m not your dear, mummy is your dear.” As young as she is, she understands difference.
Friend, one of the laws of life is the law of difference, and one proof of maturity is being able to understand differences (Isaiah 7:15, 11:3). To a toddler, liquid is liquid and is meant to be taken in; whether it is petrol, water, or insecticides. But for an adult or grownups, there are differences between liquids. This same principle applies to life generally.
Not understanding difference will affect you in ways unimaginable. The first thing every child of God must understand is the difference between what is holy and what is common (1 Samuel 21:1-6). Like Belshazzar, not knowing the difference between your dining table cup and the church’s communion cup may cost you your very life (Daniel 5:1-4, 23-31).
The job of ministers of the gospel is to help God’s people differentiate between what is holy and what is common (Leviticus 10:8-11, 1 Samuel 2:22-36). Pastors should teach people how to relate with God and the things of God. There are things that idol worshippers cannot do around a shrine that christians do around the altar of God in the name of liberty. Any liberty that dishonours God is bondage in disguise (2 Peter 2:19).
Like my daughter, you must know the difference between people. Your mother is different from another woman on the street. As a pastor, your biological daughter is different from God’s precious ladies in Church (1 Timothy 5:1-2). Your wife is different from your secretary at the office. Your pastor is different from another man of God on social media. You should honour everyone, but you must treasure critical relationships more.
Never reward people above their level of contribution in your life (Hebrews 6:10, 11:6). God loves all human beings, but He takes particular interest in His own special people (Zechariah 2:8, 1 Peter 2:9). Love people equally but never reward people equally. Perhaps, lack of revelation of who people are is the reason for hasty generalisation (Matthew 16:16-19, 2 Corinthians 5:16-17). You need revelation to recognise difference.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria