Then Moses took some of the anointing oil and of the blood that was on the altar and sprinkled it on Aaron and his garments, and also on his sons and his sons’ garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments, and his sons and his sons’ garments with him. (Leviticus 8:30 ESV)
I've seen all sorts of leaders over my lifetime. I've seen those who want to lead (and perhaps even called) but never rise to their potential or calling. I've also seen those who were called to lead but were not yet skilled in leadership skills but were earnest learners who make it their lifegoal to become everything that God wanted of them.
Aaron was that way. He started by the side of Moses as his right hand man but quickly grew in the the authority and calling of God and was able to be one of the preimenent leaders of the people of Israel. Chapter 8 of Leviticus is the stamp of approval by the people over the calling of God in his life.
For the godly leader, the call of God becomes a personal foundation for ministry, a point of revelation. A person should never enter into a spiritual position without a divine call of God upon their life. God's call is the first step for anyone who desires a spiritual leadership position.
Every call of God has two components: inward and outward. God's hand on the person provides the inward component. This becomes the driving force in a persons heart to step into spiritual leadership. The outward component comes from a whole other source - from other people - by their confirmation that God has called you and that God's hand indeed does rest upon your life. Although, if God has called you - you don't need the approval of people but if often is an indicator of the calling of God upon your life. Usually, if God has called you - people will also confirm it.
I belive that only God can call any person to lead and minister. To step into a position without the call and hand of God upon you would be disasterous. When God begins to move in your life - people will see and affirm the authority that God has placed upon you.
The word "authorize" is derived from the Latin word which means "to increase or to grow." Frank Damazio reminds us that the word "authorize" suggests the spiritual meanings of: a builder of spiritual buildings; a creator of spiritual families; a doer of spiritual deeds, an author of spiritual writings; a teacher of spiritual knowledge; a spiritual advisor of actions; a promoter of spiritual plans; a supporter of spiritual laws; a spiritual leader in public life; a model of spiritual conduct; a spiritual guardian of women and minors; and a champion of other's spiritual warfare. (Maxwell)
Romans 1:14-16 gives us a few signs that should accompany God's call of a person into vocational ministry:
1- "I am eager" - There is a sense of passion and urgency about reaching people.
2- "I am obligated" - This is the feeling that I cannot do anything else vocationally.
3- "I am not ashamed" - This is the conviction to do what others may think illogical.
It is interesting that the word "ordain" comes from the Latin Word that means "to set in order, arrange or appoint or regulate." To ordain someone means to officially appoint that person to an office and to regulate his/her ministry. True ordination does not precede ministry; it follows it. Only after a person excercises obvious spiritual influcence, enabled by the Holy Spirit, is that individual ready to be ordained by humans. God calls, and people confirm and affirm the call upon a persons life.
I don't know who said it but it is true, "If you think you are leader, turn around and see if anyone is following." Perhaps that will be an indicator of what God is doing in your life and ministry.
No comments:
Post a Comment