Open Heavens April 10th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Rom 5-8

HANDLING ELDERS

MEMORIZE: "Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility" (Proverbs 18:12)

READ: 1 Timothy 5:17-18

There is a saying, that if a child has wisdom, he gives it to the elders to use. This is the root of African greatness. You would not want to outshine your elders: if you attempt it, that could lead to an early grave. Wait for your turn. Those who honor elders are sowing a seed. 1 Timothy 5:17 says, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine”. Galatians 6:7 says we must reap whatever we sow. This is why people who make it a duty to honor elders end up living to become an elder. They will also be severally honored as elders.

When the Lord inspired me to begin the first Christ The Redeemer’s Congress, I did not immediately go to print posters and other publicity materials. I first ran to my father in the Lord and relayed the vision to him. He asked me to go while he tabled it before the Lord. Thereafter, he gave me the go- ahead. Today, I realize I acted wisely because having started, and the forces of hell were unleashed against me, he was the one who backed me up in prayers. Similarly, several years ago when I was in Kwara state, we made plans to evangelize in a particular village that several people- including my interpreter- confirmed was a ‘no go area’. So I ran to Lagos to inform my father in the Lord to ask if we could go. The moment he said we could go, I ignored every other stumbling block and contrary advice and went. Today, the RCCG is thriving in those places because I did not want to outshine my father in the Lord.

The elders have a saying: If a child killed a rat or grass-cutter and ate it alone, the day he kills a bigger animal, they will see if he can eat it alone. Education is one thing, experience is another. How have you been treating your elders? How do you relate with those God has put over you? Many die before their time for failing to honor elders. The fellow who always dishonors, disgraces, disobeys or abuses elders, may not grow up to be one. Do not send yourself to an early grave. Do not prematurely terminate God’s plan for your life. That elder could be your cover. Be wise.

ACTIONPOINT
List out some things you have which can be given to your elders to use. Go ahead and release them today.