“For who has despised the day of small things?
For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.
They are the eyes of the Lord, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth,” Zachariah 4:10.

Many of us are called to a certain function and gifting in the body of Christ.

Over the years, the Holy Spirit who once called you, is now perhaps bringing you into other avenues of function and gifting.

As the years pass and we become more mature in our statue in Christ, God Himself causes us to rise-up higher.

This is true for many reasons, and yet much of it is because of how the various trials and tribulations are now producing fruit in more and more areas in our spiritual lives.

A person is called as a pastor or a teacher and their function may well be set as they serve as a shepherd to those whom they are called to minister to.

Likewise, someone who functions as an evangelist gathers in many, calling them in, to bring them into the bosom of the LORD.

But again, over the years, the calling may well have expanded into other avenues and ministries that once were formed in singularity. Those who have been faithful in what God has called them to do, are then elevated.

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted,” Matthew 23:12.

Those who have functioned in the office of prophet for many years may well now become more apostolic in nature.

There may well become a blending of the two offices as the soil has now become enriched through the fruitfulness of service unto the LORD.

And yet, any elevation is not as the world sees it, for the world’s standards are about becoming more and more important, as many in their pride, seek to be served, rather than to serve as Christ has called us to do.

These things may well be hidden to many at first, even within the body of Christ.

For it is a thing of mystery how God Himself works His functions and gifting in each of us.

It is never a matter of showmanship, but rather it is a thing of service.

For we are called as servants to those around us, and even unto many within the body of Christ.

“It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant,” Matthew 20:26.

Lastly, we see many around us now who wear the badges of apostle, prophet, evangelist, etc.

They wear these titles proudly, exhibiting their office and placement in the Kingdom of God.

But did the twelve apostles that Christ Himself had chosen, wear badges of distinction?

These are things of the flesh and not of the Spirit.

We don’t need to wear badges on our lapels to indicate who or what we are in the Body of Christ. It is quite obvious to many when a pastor is a pastor who is called to his flock and he doesn’t need a badge that promotes his office.

The same should be true of a bishop or any other office in the body of Christ.

Of course we refer to those who pastor as “Pastor Bill” or whatever, oftentimes indicating their function and placement to those around him or her.

It would seem that the same would be true of those who function as prophets or apostles, but again, our titles should not be important, but rather in how we serve those around us within our field or area.

 

Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson

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Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?

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