In my early days in ministry, I would say things like, “You know I’m basically a teacher…” But I each time I said this, I perceived the voice of the Holy Spirit telling me, “Don’t make that conclusion yet.” I noticed that the moment I began to caution myself on the use of such absolute statements, other dimensions of my life and ministry began to manifest, especially the prophetic.
Friend, one of the pitfalls you must avoid in your journey of destiny is defining yourself too soon. Never forget this; you are still a revelation that is unfolding (John 3:8). You really don’t know you yet or the full picture of what God is making of you (Matthew 16:18). Branding must not bind you. Title must not tie you. Most times, you are better off without title. Just discharge grace and let people put the title as they see it.
Especially for young people, beware of branding yourself too early. When I see young folks calling themselves apostles, prophets, etc., I shiver. Some have even gone ahead to establish a church because people have been calling them pastors right from their secondary school days. There are people who should be serving God’s purpose in the secular that have been limited to the Church (Luke 1:1-4, Colossians 4:14).
You should learn wisdom from the response of John regarding his call (John 1:19-23). Many of us have been tempted to be called Christ, Elijah, or one of the prophets. But for John, he was satisfied with being the voice of one crying the wilderness. He knew he had come to bring a dimension of God to the earth that cannot be accurately defined by title.
If you brand yourself too early, you would limit your manifestation in life (Romans 8:19). When you say you are a teacher, people would not expect more than a filled note from your ministry, not knowing that there are dimensions of healing, accurate prophetic manifestations and the likes that are equally available in the divine streams flowing through you.
I have learnt over the years that many of us would do more than one thing (Judges 4:4-5). The investment of God in your life cannot be limited or restricted to just one thing. Some would be successful medical doctors and anointed music ministers at the same time. Some would pastor churches and also be relevant in the creative industry. It is called Manifold Grace because it is many-sided (1 Peter 4:10). Don’t be boxed by branding.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria