Understanding Purpose in Christian Ministry (PART 11)
By Pastor 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)
Blessed be the name of our God who has kept us alive to witness this day still standing firm in Him. May we never lose His presence all the days of our lives! Amen. Last week, on this ongoing series, we examined Growth and Development. This, we shall continue to discuss about today.
It was previously stated that while growth may seem natural, yet we must understand that it takes understanding, conscious efforts and sacrifice for it to be proper. Also, that God doesn’t deal with man on the basis of emotions but spiritual reality.
The overall growth and development of a child in life is often largely determined by the things taken in at the early stage of life. This is foundational. It almost serves the same purpose a foundation serves in a building. When it comes to growth and development in the ministry, your foundation has got a major role to play in your overall performance. “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). How far you have gone in the ministry isn’t the same as how well you have gone, neither is how fast you move is the same as how well you move.
Many ministers wouldn’t grow and develop the way God wants them to grow and wouldn’t move at the pace God wants to move because of the foundation on which they build. Your cravings determine your pursuits and your pursuits determine your experiences. Many a times, many ministers are insincere. They make empty profession of their desires, but without genuine determination and willingness to pay the price. The price for genuine growth and development starts with your cravings.
There are four elements found in every form of pure spiritual milk. These are (1) Doctrine (teaching), (2) Reproof (3) Correction and (4) Instruction in righteousness “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). It is undoubtedly observed over the years of getting involved with ministers that the four aforementioned elements are often the most difficult things to embrace by ministers.
Many ministers sincerely are never wanting and ready to be taught, reproved, corrected and instructed in righteousness. Meanwhile, until these are embraced, no minister can be thoroughly furnished unto every good work. “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:17). So, it’s high time we re-assess the nutrients that brought us where we are.
Pastor Raphael Adegoke is a Pastor in Christ Apostolic Church (Nigeria & Overseas) and a Lecturer in Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary.
