Last week, we talked about the only way to compare yourself wisely; by comparing your current state to the full stature of Christ. That is God’s ultimate purpose of all of us individually and cooperately.
Even naturally, we aren’t all on the same rank. As humans, we rank higher than all living things on earth. They are living things because they don’t have a spirit. We are living beings, and our spirits are everlasting. Therefore, we innately rank higher than all living things by design. The devil ranks higher than certain angelic beings by design. Apart from design, we rank according to stature. Yes, you are a child of God but as long as your remain a child, you rank no higher than a servant.
Galatians 4:1-3 NKJV
[1] Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, [2] but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. [3] Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.
A sword in the hands of an infant is no threat to an enemy. The enemy knows that that toddler possesses no understanding and skill to wield the sword. However, God in his infinite riches, protects us from certain battles above us. Don’t get me wrong! As a child of God, you rank FAR ABOVE principalities and powers. You don’t yet possess, but you have access. Unlimited access. You rank far above because you are hid in Christ. This is Christ who ranks far above and has given you unlimited access.
Ephesians 1:19-21 NKJV
… and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
Therefore, the level of your ranking is directly proportional to how much Christ is formed in you. In Christ dwells the fulness of the Godhead. How much of the fullness have you allowed in you? Have you built up the capacity? Have you completely, continually, and daily surrendered? You are going to crucify your flesh daily, carry your cross daily, and allow Christ to be formed in you to the extent that even the life you live in the flesh glorifies God. The formation of Christ in us is a purpose that precedes sin and will continue into eternity.
God is unlimited, and that is why He creates with potential. We are not stuck at the rank of our design. We have the capacity to expand as we behold Christ. Even Adam had potential. He had to pass certain tests in order to grow in stature. Once He passed the test of work, God expanded His capacity to experience intimacy by creating Eve. Eventually, Adam would have grown in stature to possess the knowledge of good and evil had he continually remained in obedience. This is why all things are available to you but certain things don’t manifest until you pass certain tests. Some blessings will rather destroy you if you don’t have the required stature to possess such blessings. So God, in His mercy, works on you until whatever that is not of him dies in you so Christ can continue to be formed in you. You must decrease and He must increase.
A toddler is not allowed to go into battle even if he is a prince. The King hides the toddler and grooms the toddler until a King is formed in the toddler. During the hiding, the King prevents the toddler from fighting certain battles because of the toddler’s level of maturity. Selah! It is actually mercy. The truth is, you will never be given authority until you have been under authority. You have to be trusted with that authority. Because truly, authority is delegated. It is not your power; it is the Power delegated to you by God. Authority in the hands of a fool is dangerous and unrepresentative of a Wise King. It is free but it will cost you everything.
Christ will lead you from victory unto victory. Follow His lead. Without Him, you can do nothing. He will never cast pearls before swine or give what is holy to dogs. Don’t seek Him because you want power. Seek the person, not the power. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to train you into a person worthy of the authority entrusted to you, lest you bring shame to the name of the Lord. Selah!
But a powerful and a good one