Brainstorming and meditation are mechanisms God has entrusted to us to achieve our potential in pursuit of God’s purpose for our life and ministry. The content of our thinking increases or decreases the potency of our life.
In this season of apostolic reformation, there is scope for comparison and discernment of the measure of grace and impartation carried by each minister so that the believer can wisely draw and drink.
“But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).
“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.” (2 Corinthians 10:12-13).
To compare is to attempt to equate one person with another by way of contrast or resemblance, or to judge one thing in connection with another. Comparison can be positive or negative. It is as a two-sided coin and this is mentioned in the scripture.
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” (1 Corinthians 3:1-8).
The apostle Paul chided the Church in Corinth because of their envy and strife. This contention demoted their spiritual walk and discernment to that of carnal men. Their comparison of the apostles resulted in divisions rather than in acknowledgement and appreciation for the individuality of each minister of the Lord.
Let us consider Paul’s statement to acknowledge the benefit of comparison using our discernment, and the negative effect as well:
“For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.” (1 Corinthians 15:9-11).
The apostle Paul stated that, ‘I am the least of the apostles….and I laboured more abundantly than they all’. This statement would not have been possible if he had not compared himself with others. His comparison was not a ground for boasting and exaltation, but he demonstrated the spirit of humility that every minister should possess as they compare spiritual things with spiritual things. Comparison, for the purpose of motivation, appreciation and encouragement of one another’s gifts and grace, challenges our alignment with, and our pursuit of God’s purpose.
We can evaluate, balance and measure the present word of leaders who carrying “revelation truth” in the current season of God. Compare, encourage and pray for one another that our spiritual eyes might be enlightened to the revelations and mysteries of Christ and His Kingdom.
When spiritual things are compared with carnal things we will become judgmental. When spiritual things are compared with spiritual progress is possible by the measure of grace given to each man. Comparison increases our alignment and rule in Kingdom purpose. It helps us discern our spiritual position so that we do not build on another’s foundation.
Some see the present reformation and restoration of the apostolic ministry as judgmental and full of comparison. Discernment and accurate assessment is needed to rebuild and restructure Church leadership, positions and functions. The Jeremiah anointing and calling is needed (See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the Kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. – Jeremiah 1:10). Through comparison to the authentic and original plan, the current structure is evaluated. If the structure, building, revelation of the word and the grace carried is counterfeit, we proclaim a revolution by the sword of the Lord (the word of God) and eradicate what is not producing the purpose of God. A radical, revolutionary tone results from reformation.
God is restructuring and repositioning His Church through the present apostolic reformation movement. Accuracy in method and strategy will restore the message and mandate. Radical change will be reflected in the community. A new standard of living is established when apostolic ministry is released into a city or region. Unique outcomes result because apostles are sent to establish a new order and standard of the spiritual life of God’s people. Apostles impart an attitude of pleasing God rather than men.
Revelation brings knowledge. Revealed truth about apostolic ministry brings understanding of what God is doing. Certainty of the apostolic reformation comes by our experience of the grace of an authentic apostolic ministry. We must move beyond the shallow and superficial ministry that does not have substance and come into a place of reality and revelation knowledge, so that we can fully understand and receive the gifts of God.
We must begin to open up to apostolic and prophetic ministries. These breakthrough ministries carry unique anointing and revelation that will bring the Church into new realms in the Spirit to see the Kingdom of God advance upon the earth. We need to access these ministry gifts for the word and demonstration of God’s power. These are the catalysts of breakthrough. Appreciate each of the five-fold ministry for their function and call in the Body of Christ.
The key to reformation is for the apostolic ministry to give it self to prayer, and minister the word accurately (Acts 6:1-7) along with the other five-fold ministry gifts, and for the Church to begin to walk in maturity and perfection.
Copyright © 2017 by Israel Onoriobe
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