NEVER DISREGARD THE GENERATION BEFORE YOU

I finished speaking in a meeting some years ago, the chief host in the meeting happened to be a father-in-the-faith who had spent many years in ministry with an impact globally. He asked me to sit by his side and said, “Pastor Temi, how is the ministry in Eruwa?”

The next statement he made got my ears standing at attention. He said, “We both have ministries in similar locations. Let me share with you the mistake I made in the first sixteen years of ministry and how to avoid it”.

I have practised what he said. The wisdom that flowed from him was legendary. It repositioned me and shot the call of God upon my life to a new level.

Let’s hit it straight: One way to remain small in life is to disregard the lessons that flow from those who have travelled the path before you.

We all confess and declare these words from the book of Job: Though thy beginning was small, Yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

 Job 8:7 KJV

As much as it is great to confess it, we must not be blind to the keys that will activate the fulfilment of our confession. What is the key? See this: “Just ask the previous generation. Pay attention to the experience of our ancestors.”

 Job 8:8 NLT

If your posture is that of pride and “I know it all”, you will remain small. Even if a kingdom is handed over to you, you will turn it into a dormitory. Pride reduces everything it touches.

These should be the words in your mouth:

For we were born but yesterday and know nothing… But those who came before us will teach you. They will teach you the wisdom of old.

 Job 8:9-10 NLT

Dishonour flows freely these days. The last bus stop before becoming history is “refusal to learn from history”.

Have you heard about the king called Rehoboam? He inherited a wealthy kingdom but disgruntled people. He sought the counsel of those who served his father and also that of those who are his friends. His friends told him to disregard the people. The old men told him not to take the people for granted. He followed the counsel of his friends. He lost almost the entire kingdom except for his tribe.

It is important in life that you should meet your teachers before your tests, it will be easier to pass your tests. But, if you meet your tests before your teachers, your test will become your teacher. Unfortunately, it may be too late.

Today makes 11 years of Nourishing Ground Community Church in the land of Eruwa. I can tell you this:

A man can have the call of God upon his life and still fail. A man can be heaven’s choice and still fail. Why? If he refuses to learn wisdom from teachers and fathers, he will struggle to fly. Eli may be blind but “Go back and lie down and say ‘speak Lord'” that comes from him can unlock the Samuel that will lead an entire nation. Be wise!

Saul may be wicked but learn from him how not to be a terminal king. David learnt it and he became a generational king. A great vision can die with the visioner yet some visions have served many generations.

What lessons have the previous generation taught you? That’s one major key to greatness. Handle it with caution.

temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa.