If you are among those that walk in the Spirit, then you must know that the times for sonS of God to manifest are with us. All creation has been waiting for these times. It is a beautiful thing to behold the becoming of sons of the kingdom with a vibrancy for God.
But amidst all that, a new crisis arises as well. It’s as if the church is slowly falling out of order. In a time where everyone and anyone is empowered enough to become a “minister unto God”, some carry a zeal and are vigorously pursuing the wrong things. As I studied some of the short letters of Paul, I realized that he was keener on sonship than we are today. Paul had walked with several people enough that he could vouch for them. On one instance, Paul talks of Onesimus as his own son. He had received Christ on account of Paul’s preaching, and Paul had nurtured him enough to be called a son. Imagine Paul, one of the greatest Apostles of all times, saying this of you:
“But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.” (Philemon 1:18 NKJV)
Paul must have walked with Onesimus enough to speak so confidently about him, and even be willing to take the entire charge for any wrongdoings. This hardly happens in our times. While there may be some fault for the older generation to take, a lot of it is on our side.
It is easier to dismiss the church elders and leaders for their role in our lives, especially when we operate in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. We lIve in times where the body of Christ is so enamored with knowledge – and for some, to their detriment. Unfortunately, this is the beginning of rebellion and conflict in the body of Christ. This generation has now earned many sheep without a shepherd. Worse, we have all become shepherds of our own lives.
The problem is, if we are not shepherded, we are hardly shepherds. As great as Moses was, he couldn’t become until he was under Priest Jethro for about 40 years. David too had to endure under Saul before he could step up as a king – despite his anointing at a young age. It is the same for Joshua who learnt from Moses, and Elisha who learnt from Elijah.
Paul in Titus talks about many of the men that are insubordinate, deceitful, gluttons, and slanderers, yet have been teaching things to others. While there is a place of judgment and justice for the teachers, the best way to correct all these issues is by seeking covering. Every man needs a father. Jesus Himself while on earth kept pointing back to His Father in heaven as the reference for all He was saying and doing on earth. His submission to God the Father gave Him relevance and soundness in doctrine while on earth.
Although the grace of God that brings salvation to all men has appeared to us, we cannot do right in the kingdom without submission to authority and tutelage.
The place for sound doctrine can be secured when we submit our becoming to those that have gone ahead of us. The greatness of Paul was in no way demeaning to that of his sons in the faith like Titus and Timothy. Instead, Paul shepherded them enough that they carried the same sound doctrine that he shared, which was passed down from Christ. Hence, he said to them “follow me as I follow Christ.”
So, I ask you today, who is your father? As you manifest in power and authority as a son of God, who are you submitting to? Child of God, let your ear be continually tuned in to wise counsel with sound doctrine. Before you take on the mission to transform the nations, seek submission to a father or an elder that walks the walk of Christ.
