[49] “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” [50] “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” – Luke 9:49-50 (NIV)
I love Jesus. He was (and still is) the leader who never entertained strife in His ministerial team. Also, He was very unburdened and allowed His team to always voice out their opinions about whatever He asked them, even if He knew they’d get it wrong. He believed in them even though they were incapacitated. Will you do that as a leader?
One time, John came to Jesus and said, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” Guess what Jesus said? “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you.” Think about that for a minute!
Jesus didn’t say that just because another person is doing ministerial work in His name, but he’s not part of His core leadership team doesn’t mean that person isn’t for Him. Jesus dealt with a bad mentality in the minds of many workers in the ministry today — cancelling people who do mighty things for the Lord even in the same ministry but not part of the core leadership team. Hmm.
I understand the importance of belonging to a leadership team because I am a leader in our ministry. I also understand how significant, I mean very significant, administration is in every organisation, especially the ministry. But sometimes, the Holy Spirit overrides these organisational frameworks to stir up revival in ways not part of the norm. If you’re a leader and you are not a sharp discerner of this move of God, you will see the new person God is raising as a threat rather than a blessing to your organisation. Look at Saul’s example. God raised David to replace him on the throne. But this man saw David as a threat instead of an heir. That affected his life for good. He ended up pursuing David until he eventually died while still engaging in this act.
Dear leader, whoever is not against you is for you in that organisation. Not everyone who comes around will follow laid-down organisational structures and systems to make an indelible impact. Some of them will take a different turn. When you see such things happening, analyse the situation and see what you can do to accommodate such people, or else they will leave, and that can cost you. May the Lord increase you in wisdom.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, lead and guide me the way everlasting. Help me to see people as you see them and not according to my lens of understanding. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 271
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