Grow Them To Leave
In this simple scripture reference, the thing that jumped out at me is the growth and maturity that is exemplified in John the Baptist. Jesus is beginning His earthly ministry, John makes an announcement revealing who Jesus is, two of JOHN'S DISCIPLES hear the announcement, and immediately follow after Jesus...WOW! I see a couple of things worthy of note:
1. Two (2) of John's disciples were close enough to hear the announcement - Sometimes we miss what God wants to reveal to us because we assume that a public place like church or at some conference is where He chooses to reveal some truth to us. But just being around your leader, and being close enough to hear, allows us to hear intimate mysteries that we would not necessarily hear if we were content to be in the crowd, but not close.
2. John's Ministry always pointed to Christ! - This is a principle that has become somewhat damaging to the Body of Christ, because we would rather raise people to look AT US (leaders/Pastors), as opposed to pointing them to Christ. I believe John understood that his "disciples" were at best, temporary. At the end of the day, our ultimate goal as servant leaders is to point others to Christ so that they will be His disciple (followers). Paul speaks of this principle to the church at Ephesus. Gifts were released to the Body of Christ for edification, growth, and maturity (Ephesians 4:11-16). Let's develop those around us to follow the Person of Jesus Christ, and not the personality of the leader!
3. John is not offended by the departure of his followers. - That's Major! How quickly animosity builds between Pastors in the same city or region because of those who depart one ministry for another. On one occasions, the disciples came across those who were casting out devils and healing the sick in Jesus name, but they were not following Jesus (like the 12), and they wanted to stop them. However Jesus told them if they are not against us, they are for us, therefore do not forbid them (John 9:49, 50). I am not the ONLY leader/Pastor, and the church that I serve is not the ONLY ministry. Let's not take it personal when people depart from us. Prayerfully, when they leave, they leave us better and more equipped.
We must ever be mindful that one of our main objectives is to teach, train, and help to develop those in whom we come in contact with, so that they will mature in their personal walk with the Lord. Like a good parent, the sign that we are doing as we have been called to do, is when those who follow, take our teaching, mature, lead their own lives, and go forth to instruct someone else. Peace
Created over 1 year ago
