A young man of God was called to lead a ministry despite being the youngest and seemingly less mature than others. Some people rebelled against his authority initially. However, through patient relationships with them, they began to see God’s work in his life. Eventually, everyone submitted to his leadership. I learned that maturity does not equal ministry.
Friend, maturity does not equal ministry or calling (Romans 11:29). The call of God is a mystery. It is something that existed before the foundation of the world. While it is important for people to grow or mature in their walk with the Lord. Such growth or maturity does not automatically confer a calling or ministry (Hebrews 5:4). You cannot grow into a divine call. You can only grow in it.
Aquila and Priscilla did not have the calling of Apollos even though they seemed more mature than him. They did the right thing. They used their maturity to mentor and support the man who had the calling (Acts 18:24-28). The result was that the ministry of Apollos became stronger and better. That way, God’s kingdom was enhanced.
When you use your spiritual maturity as a means of rebelling against God-ordained authority, you are not actually mature (Numbers 12:1-8). What you call spirituality is nothing but spiritism. Spirituality that is not guided by scriptures is spiritism. Spirituality or maturity that does not further the program of God and the growth of the body is fake (Jude 1:8-13).
Called people need to prioritise their growth. It is God’s responsibility to call you. It is your responsibility to grow in that calling (2 Peter 1:10). Some pastors and leaders make it difficult for people to submit. People won’t naturally submit to mediocrity or shallowness. Nobody submits to emptiness. People submit to substance and excellence (Mark 1:22, 2 Timothy 2:15).
Trying to use your spiritual office to suppress or subjugate people is witchcraft (Judges 9:14-15). Everybody must stay where God has placed them in the body. If you are an Aaron or Hur, look for the Moses that you are meant to support even if you seem stronger or better than Moses (Exodus 17:12). If you are an Aquila and Priscilla in a local church, support the pastor. Don’t operate a parallel leadership.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria