A sizable part of what Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus (those men God have given Paul to mentor in the highest levels of leading the charge in the kingdom of God) was focused on how to qualify and appoint leaders in the church. People call these books “the pastoral epistles.” When I was younger, I subconsciously thought of these letters as specifically for only church leaders – and I spent a lot less time reading and meditating on them than I do now. I’d even say I tuned them out to some degree.

God’s really been unlocking the power and truth of these books for me – and it all really began several years ago when I saw Paul telling Timothy not to let anyone despise his youth. Paul dealt with Timothy as his son in the faith, and as one of his generals in the conquest of the faith of the gospel. He recognized this authority on Timothy solely based on the anointing he saw on Timothy: the gift that was imparted to Timothy when Paul first laid his hands on him. There was nothing political about Timothy, no man-appointed position or office, and no favoritism on Paul’s part. Timothy didn’t have any seniority or tenure, he’s wasn’t voted in or endorsed, nor did he get his authority as the result of any exploit or wealth or social standing or huge accomplishment. These are all the ways men get power and authority and influence and respect – but in the kingdom of God, everything is about simply recognizing and honoring the choices God makes.

In the world, men with authority and influence exert it in a way that lifts them up above other men. In the kingdom of God, the highest level of leadership is found in being the servant of all. The greatest among us serves the most. Because this flips man’s pecking order upside down, many people have trouble acknowledging kingdom power and authority – simply because they’ve learned to respect brute force/dominance, and they haven’t allowed themselves to be taught to honor only what God honors. Start asking Father to give you divine wisdom in this area. It is so critical in this hour, because God desires that those he has given supernatural authority rise to fully functioning in this authority; and that all those who benefit honor the gift as that which only God can give >>