"It's a mistake to suppose that a dull and second-rate man is good enough for the heathen. The worst-off need the very best we have. God gave His best, even His only-begotten Son, in order to redeem a lost world. Christianity will advance over the earth with long, swift strides when the churches are ready to send their best men, and the best men are ready to go."
- Robert Liadon in 'God's Generals, The Missionaries' pp. 191-192
In order word, the fact you're looking handsome, beautiful, intellectually bright, wealthy, rich, influential etc doesn't make you unfit for advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rather it even makes you more profitable and qualified for the work. Normally, people that are extraordinarily gifted mostly believe that certain works of God's kingdom isn't theirs. Church people mostly believe for instance that, it is the academically failed ones, economically less advantaged, and socially backward ones that should become missionaries, pastors, prophets, apostles etc. The bright and opportune ones should get something "better" to do with their lives. This erroneously warped believe left the leadership of the body of Christ in the hands of the "handicaps"- pastors and church leaders that doesn't in most cases know what they are doing- most of whom are intellectually bankrupt, economically bedridden, politically dull & ignorant that stop at nothing but deterring Christians from participating in politics, among others. These has for a long time reduced the influence of Christ in our society.
But come to think of it, who are those really fit for the Kingdom task? When God thought of rescuing the earth who did He sent? Was it one failed Angel at the backside of His Kingdom? NO! It was Jesus the Most Excellent One He sent. That's to say that, we need the bright ones in Church to step up and take responsibility in the Kingdom. It's an error indeed to leave the work of the gospel in the hands of illiterate, ignorant and poor ones. We need the academically sounds ones, the economically well placed, and the politically influential ones to fully participate in Kingdom task.
The Church is the most influential entity in the entire world, hence it most not be left in the hands of the "handicaps".
In Nigeria for instance, before, during and shortly after our independence, it was only the the academically dullards that were enrolled into the army. Because people believe no bright child should go into the army. But with the take over of power by the military juntas starting from 15th January, 1966, the military eventually became the leaders of the country in every aspects. It has almost become impossible for anyone to become a President of Nigeria without first been a retired military general- the sector that was previously despised. This to me explained the kind of inept leadership we have in the country. Because only the "failed ones" were pushed into the military and eventually the leadership of the country.
So also, in similar vain, if we allow the leadership of the Church in the hands of the inept ones, we will eventually have them leading every aspects of our lives which will result to a lot of catastrophe. Moreover, doing so mean, leaving our eternity under threat.
However, am not suggesting that, the less intelligent ones shouldn't go into ministry as missionaries, evangelists, pastors etc but that, the bright ones are also needed. The so called good ones shouldn't shy away from taking full responsibility in undertaken Kingdom task. I look forward to seeing governors, ministers, presidents serving as pastors, apostles, prophets, evangelists or even resigning their jobs to serving as missionaries where necessary. A friend to one of my friends who was the best students during his school days told his friends that God has called him to preach the gospel (pastor). His friends in great surprised responded by saying, 'you want to waste all your brilliance...'. It was like him going into ministry is a waste of his intellectual prowess. But glory be to God because there seems to be a shift now. You see first class students, PhD holders, wealthy individuals, politically placed people giving their all for Jesus and His work. There's indeed a great improvement. However, I believe more need to be done, particularly the so called Orthodox Churches. Honestly large number of some pastors, particularly among the 'Orthodox' circle, in my opinion are not knowledgeable enough both the knowledge of the Word of God and general knowledge which is also pivotal in the work. Remember that whatever you think you have is given to you by God purposely for advancing the gospel of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. You may not need to leave your studies (higher degrees), your career or any of your life pursuit necessarily but know that it's all for the singular task of;
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:19-20).
Written by;
UMAR Philip
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