GROWING INTO CHRIST

 

• Choices, Part 22
  Rick Joyner

As we have covered, there are four steps to preparation for ministry: 1) teaching, 2) training, 3) equipping, and 4) deployment. Most of the body of Christ seems to be stuck in teaching mode, with little training, less equipping, and even less releasing of the body into their callings. Ephesians 4:15-16 states:

          “We are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,

     from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love” (italics added for emphasis).

How can we grow to a place where there is a “proper working of each individual part” when less than 5 percent of all Christians even know their part, much less function in it? One major question we must ask is, how can we employ these other essential levels of preparation for the body to achieve this?

First, we begin by understanding that New Testament ministry was given to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, not to do all the work of the ministry themselves. The Great Commission is to “make disciples.” Any ministry that is not doing this is not a true New Testament ministry. One can be a great preacher, articulate, and anointed, but not be an equipping ministry according to these qualifications.

For example, one can be a skilled, professional physician without the gift of healing. God can and will anoint even unbelievers to some degree with what is called in Scripture “common grace,” which is given to all men. These are natural talents that no one has unless God gives them, even for those who do not believe in Him. However, when we meet a physician who is also called to be a healer, there is a difference. Their practice is more than a job or profession—it’s a calling. Their patients are more than a number; they are people for whom they have compassion.

Common grace has merit and comes from God even when the recipient does not acknowledge Him. Think about it: Would you rather have a highly skilled brain surgeon who does not know God operate on your brain, or a sincere, Spirit-filled intern? It is right to honor common grace from God even in those who do not acknowledge Him. Yet those who are called as healers transcend natural skills and have a higher level of grace from God called in Scripture “special grace.” Of course, this would be the preferred doctor.

The same is true in the body of Christ, though it ought not be. A church leader may be knowledgeable, skilled, and articulate in preaching, devoted to excellence, but not called. There may still be a blessing on their work because God can and will bless even what He will not inhabit. We may be the best professional in every way, but it is not the same as being called and commissioned by God. For the called, there is a “special grace” that transcends natural abilities and professional devotions.

God blessed Ishmael and made him a great nation. Many works today are “spiritual Ishmaels.” They are not called by God but produced by man. God will bless them as much as He can, but they will not be His promised seed. Like Ishmael, they will also end up persecuting the Issacs, the called, when they are revealed. For this reason, we should not be overly impressed with what God has blessed, but seek rather where His presence abides, led by those who abide in His presence.

© 2022 Rick Joyner. All Rights Reserved.