1 Corinthians 13: 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
As life develops and grows, we have a tendency to evaluate our successes and failures based upon the reaction of those whom we respect. But there is a danger in looking to others for affirmation. No one can judge another man's servant, and if you are the servant of God, then only God knows the way which He has directed you to go. Asking others to affirm or validate your God-given ministry and function is precarious at best and futile at worst.
I recently spoke to a man whom I respect and who has a reputation as a leader and elder. My intention was to get some advice and insight into our circumstances from him. After a few minutes of trying to explain things and him asking questions, it dawned on me that there is no way for him to truly know what the issues are in our lives. We have been given a ministry by God, my friend, and man can only do so much to assist us. Peers and elders, even the most spiritual, are at best looking through mortal eyes at your dilemmas and desires. We have this principle of submission to others that must be addressed. I have written about authority and how we must be submitted to God's Word and humble enough to receive criticism well. But there is a difference between being accountable to other men of God for moral, ethical and financial transparency, and being subjected to the whims and opinions of how others see your decisions and journey. We cannot in good conscience hand our ministry into the possession of other men. We alone are accountable to God for its safe keeping.
The issue is of immaturity. Maturity is not based upon age, but on experience. What kind of experience is also very crucial. Someone who has never done what God has called you to do and doesn't understand your goals and dreams can only give so much assistance. Ultimately, the real spiritual giants are those of self confidence and self awareness. Jesus is the one who must be looked to for guidance and development. David slew Goliath by listening to God despite the mocking of men. Many examples are given where God directed a man contrary to carnal wisdom. Frank Bartleman, the Azusa Street pioneer, wrote "It is a great thing to be willing to be accounted as a failure by men in order to have something truly of God." Listen to God first and foremost. If God be for us, who can be against us?
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