I recall a powerful testimony from a renowned prophetess who shared her journey of reconciliation with her pastor and church. She humbly attributed her struggles to gaining independence from her spiritual leader, admitting, “I got lost when I started prioritizing my gift over the importance of pastoral guidance. The consequences were severe, but I’m grateful to be back on track.”
Friend, your gifts need to be pastored (Hebrews 13:7). When you promote your gifts above the pastoral office that God placed you under, you would open yourself up to the devil. Gifts are powerful, but they can also be dangerous. This is why God would place your gifts in the custody of a shepherd so it can be nurtured, cultured, and preserved (1 Samuel 3:1-11).
Pastors are not meant to cage your gifts. They are meant to coach and release them safely and profitably (2 Timothy 1:6-7). Like coaches, pastors help you to process and master your gifts. Your raw gifts won’t amount to much unless they are refined. Gifts do not equal calling, although they can be an indication of a calling (Exodus 31:1-11).
People go into error when they assume that the presence of a gift equals a calling (Romans 11:29). For most people, their gift is meant to serve and service a calling somewhere. If you don’t know the reason God placed you under your pastor, you would be a victim of premature autonomy (Hebrews 13:17).
Your gifts can open doors for you, but your character will keep the doors open (Proverbs 18:16). This is why God would put someone in your life who would hold you to the highest standard of integrity. He would give you a pastor who would correct and discipline you despite your gifts. A pastor coaches, corrects, and covers (Jeremiah 3:15).
Like our opening story, a lot of people jettison accountability the moment doors of opportunity begin to open to them (Luke 2:49-51). They feel bigger than their church and pastor. They argue when they are supposed to learn. They promote their gifts above divine process and become victims of satanic temptation and distraction (Judges 14:1-3).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria