Understanding Purpose in Christian Ministry (Part 10)
By Raphael Adegoke
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” (1 Cor. 13:11)
Thank God it’s another week. It’s indeed the day the Lord has made in which we shall rejoice and be glad. Last week, on this series, we started a discussion on Growth and Development and this we shall continue today.
One of the things we must understand in the kingdom is the measure or extent of growth and development. In the Kingdom, there is no limit to growth and development. You can infinitely grow and develop if you so desire.
Man is tripartite. He is a spirit that has got a soul and lives in a body. The approach to developing each of these components differs just as their roles in the fulfillment of purpose differ. But to wholesomely fulfill purpose, the three must grow and develop together. Even at a point where it seems the body is deteriorating due to advancement in age, the mind and the spirit on the other hand can continue to advance.
The difference between a boy and a man with the same height, body mass and weight is their soul and spirit. A boy may be as tall as his father, but may never be able to reason as his father. This same concept is used in the design of curriculum. There is a stage where a child is taught that certain mathematical questions, such as 2-5, are impossible. It isn’t that 2-5 is impossible, but the child is taught it is impossible because he cannot yet think abstractly, but as he matures, he is taught that 2-5 is -3.
Also, our ability to understand spiritual concepts and manage spiritual affairs is determined by our level of growth and development. Even, Jesus Christ in His humanity grew in wisdom and stature. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)
God will not commit the destiny of a city into the hands of a child, even though it is His desire that such a child will reign, yet He wouldn’t allow him to reign until he becomes mature. “Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning!” (Eccl. 10:16)
While growth may seem natural, yet we must understand that it takes understanding, conscious efforts and sacrifice for growth to be proper. God doesn’t deal with man on the basis of emotions but spiritual reality. He would never break His Word and has therefore made every necessary provision we need for our growth and development so He can be able to commit certain responsibilities to us. Some of these we shall begin to examine next week (Acts 1:20)
Pastor Raphael Adegoke is a Pastor in Christ Apostolic Church (Nigeria & Overseas) and a Lecturer in Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary.
