During my pastoral journey on campus, one young man made this remark; “When they called you as president, I never believed you could provide the leadership that this fellowship required. But you have proved me wrong.” I think he felt I was not spiritual or strong enough. He did not understand authority and spirituality
Friend, there is a difference between authority and spirituality. Spiritual leadership places a man on a level of spiritual authority that most people do not realize (Numbers 12:6-8). Divine assignment confers authority which demands responsibility and accountability.
Authority without accountability is a disaster going somewhere to happen, and assignment without authority would end up a laughing stock (Luke 10:19). An untrained and unsubmissive man with authority would misuse authority and endanger his life and that of others (2 Corinthians 10:8).
You may feel more spiritual than your pastor but you cannot replace him in God’s program (Numbers 12:1-3). You may be able to shout more than him in prayers but it does not mean heaven would hear you (1 Corinthians 4:18-20). No matter how sophisticated you are, you cannot replace your father. He carries some measure of authority in the spirit that your certificate cannot give you.
Aaron and Hur had to hold the hands of Moses in lifting the rod while Joshua fought the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-13). They are not to replace Moses even though they looked stronger and capable. Representation does not equal replacement. We are to represent God, not replace Him. If you cannot handle representation correctly, you would be a victim of rebellion (Isaiah 14:12-15).
Divine choice is not subject to human opinion; it is an election of grace and a work of predestination (Hebrews 5:4). Till today, Aaron’s rod that budded is part of the item in the ark of the covenant to remind people of the sacredness of divine choice and kingdom authority (Numbers 17:1-11, Hebrews 9:4). Rather than fighting divine choice, flow with it and be a partaker of what it carries for you and your destiny.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria