After the believers in Acts were scattered, they started leading, boldly preaching the gospel, and making disciples. They may not all have been apostles, but they started churches that produced apostles, like at Antioch. This is the nature of Christian maturity. Leaders produce leadership in those they lead, even to the point their leadership is no longer needed by them. Isn’t this the kind of delegation our ultimate Leader; the King of kings demonstrated?
One of the main warnings the Lord gave us about the end of this age was, “Woe to those who nurse babes in those days” (Matthew 24:19). Like many things Jesus said, there can be a literal and spiritual application. This could also be interpreted, “Woe to those who keep their people in immaturity.” As it is with infants and young children, you must make most decisions for them. However, as they mature and grow in experience and wisdom, they can make more decisions for themselves. As they continue to mature, they can then become leaders who make decisions for others.
True, loving parents want their children to become less dependent on them and wise enough to navigate through life without them. This is the nature of transcendent leaders as well. They want those following them to ultimately do everything they do and better. We will never become transcendent leaders by being envious of others. Transcendent leaders thrive on advancement—however and through whomever it comes.
In biblical times, as we see with Abraham and Isaac, there was great rejoicing at the birth of a child. However, they also celebrated the weaning of a child. To be weaned meant they were mature enough to eat solid food and no longer just milk. Likewise, every new birth into the kingdom is a cause for rejoicing, but we should also celebrate those who are maturing in the Lord.
The above warning from the Lord about nursing babes was concerning the end of this age, which we are now entering. The further we move into these times; the costlier immaturity will be. A truly successful leader helps others become leaders. We must have a vision for growing up in the Lord. Every believer we teach, lead, or influence, needs to be close enough to Him that they no longer need to be led by others, but can, in fact, lead others. However, to reach this level of maturity, we cannot short-circuit the process. We need clearly defined stages of maturity that will help lead people to the next level.
The Book of Hebrews is theologically considered the deepest book of the New Testament. Yet the author of this profound exposition on such things as Melchizedek’s priesthood, called this epistle “milk.” The author lamented that they could only serve the readers milk because they were not yet mature enough to receive solid spiritual food (Heb.5:12-14). Where does this leave the typical believer in our time?
As we are told in Ephesians 4, the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are given for the equipping of the saints who do the work of the ministry. So, a qualification for all these ministries is to raise up others to do what they do. Is that not the ultimate example of New Covenant ministry—to do what Jesus did?
The Great Commission is to make disciples, not just converts. This is defined as teaching them to observe everything He commanded. The definition Jesus gave for anyone who would be His disciple is so challenging, we may wonder if we know any. Making converts is necessary, but it is only the first step. Being born again is not the goal, but the beginning. This leads to a mature, strong Christian life, which is becoming like Jesus and doing what He did. Overly focusing on making converts without making disciples is a main reason for the weakness and impotence of the modern Western church.
In the first century, to be chosen as a disciple of one of Israel’s great teachers was considered one of the greatest honors anyone could receive. How much more to be called a disciple of the King of kings? However, being a disciple also required a commitment greater than any other. A disciple could have no other devotion or responsibility in their life that could detract from their devotion to their master. A disciple woke up, went through their day, and went to sleep at night with one thought—how could they learn from their master, become more like him, and do what he did? How much more focused should a disciple of our Master, Almighty God, and King of kings, be?
Discipleship to Christ is a lifelong devotion that must be the focus and passion of our lives. Disciples don’t just work for a company or government but for the Lord. They seek to do everything they do with the excellence the King deserves, yet for a higher purpose than personal advancement or prestige.
© 2022 Rick Joyner. All rights reserved.
