May is the month of graduation for many schools – elementary, middle, high, and college. It is a milestone which measures accomplishment, achievement, and also transition into the next phase of life. Most parents look forward to these transitions, as it also reveals their child’s abilities, and often coincides with more responsibilities. The same is true for spiritual growth. Each individual is expected to transgress beyond salvation which is synonymous with birth, into early childhood (preschool), later childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Unfortunately, the modern church has been hindered by leaders who have failed to pass that information onto their followers.
Maturity has less to do with physical age then it does with mental and emotional age. In other words, there are many people based on their chronological age would appear to be adults, but their lives are a mere reflection of their immaturity. These individuals may be crippled emotionally, lack life management skills, or fail to assume responsibilities for their actions. This immaturity however, does not exonerate them from expectations. Given the proper knowledge and the opportunity, they can be positioned for success. Christian leaders, it is not beneficial for us to do the work for them.
The American educational system was originally established for the purpose of establishing religious independence. Our forefathers believed that this independence was necessary so that people could learn to read and learn from the bible themselves. However, the modern church has reverted back to doing the work for believers once again. If we continue to study the word and present them with our revelations, this serves to keep believers hindered and handicap them even further. This is a call (and a challenge) for Christian leaders to stop crippling their local body, and to focus on empowering them instead. Our assignment is not to do the work for them but, to teach them how to do the work for themselves. Much like teenagers, we must encourage them to assume some responsibilities, and allow them opportunities to make some mistakes for we often learn from those mistakes. An example of a hindered believer is one who is afraid to take risks.
The goal of leadership is to instruct believers to become mature so they may be vital to the kingdom of God. While the local church may be their training ground, it is their God-ordained destiny to be vital to the local ministry. It is only when we adopt this principles can we see the glory of God revealed in our communities. If you want to make an impact in your community, start with empowering people. According to Hosea 4:6 God’s people are destroyed by their lack of knowledge (NIV). We have a responsibility to examine ourselves regularly to ensure that we are part of the solution and are not the problem.
Be blessed – Karen