DIVINE ESTIMATIONS
By Tokunbo Salami

There is a need for this generation to be taught afresh what I call: ‘Divine Estimations’- heaven’s own way of estimating values.

Heaven’s ways are not the same as the ways of the earth; the divine point of view is clearly different from the human estimate or point of view.

Hear God speaking: “For My thoughts are not your thought, neither are your ways, My ways saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways, higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts”.Is 55:8-9.

It is clear from the passage above that God's ways are higher than man’s, His standard supercedes the human standard. Moreover we need to know that only God's standard, only God's opinion and estimation of things shall stand the test of time.

Consider the matter of greatness. Amongst the earthly, greatness is usually reckoned according to the measure of things like material wealth and abundance of riches; men place a great value on intellectual knowledge and education, they glory in political might, in titles, in pomp and pageantry. But not so in the kingdom of God: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God.’ (Matt. 5:3) Jeremiah 9:23 & 24 reads thus…
“Thus saith the LORD, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches. But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgement and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord”.

It is obvious from the above that while the sons of men consider riches, intellectual knowledge and political might as greatness, God does not. Rather, God values those who exercise loving kindness, justice and righteousness. These constitute greater riches in the sight of God than abundance of cars and houses and titles.

It is in the light of this truth that we labourers in God's vineyard must check again what we are doing for the Kingdom. These constitute greater riches in the sight of God than abundance of cars and houses and titles.

It is in the light of this truth that we labourers in God's vineyard must check again what we are doing for the kingdom and why. We need to sincerely reassess our lives and our labours not according to human estimations but according to Divine Estimations.

Look for a moment at the ministry of John the Baptist. By human standards, it was too short, for it lasted only six months. It was too hidden, too obscure because he dwelt majorly in the wilderness. It was rather too old-fashioned for he was dressed in camel skin. From the natural standpoint, his life ended in a very unfortunate, untimely manner-he was beheaded. His burial was definitely not a flamboyant one as only a few: his disciples attended his burial. But according to Divine estimation, John the Baptist was the greatest of all prophets. (Greater than even Elijah and Elisha, the miracle working prophets).

Are you presently assessing your ministry or the ministry of others by the crowds? Are you assessing by the amount of money coming in as offerings, the geographic location or by prominent publicity in the worldly media? Are you assessing great ministries and great works by bogus titles and structures, by gadgets and by cars?

Friend, be reminded that what is highly esteemed among men is abomination before God (see Lk16:15). Never forget that even today, the widows who give their last mite (their all!) are still considered greater donors to God's work than millionaires who noisily give their thousands. Many faithful, unsung and unknown missionaries busy ministering in ‘grass cathedrals’ may turn out to be greater in God's kingdom than sophisticated preachers preaching in glass and marble edifices.

What role are you fulfilling for the Great Commission today? Are you a pastor or an evangelist? Are you a missionary or a prayer supporter of missions? Have you been recruited to finance God's Work or to be a spokesman for the unreached and the poor? Are you a gifted health worker or engineer redcruited by heaven to improve the lot of rural dwellers and unreached people in ignorance? Whatever God has called you to do, do it with all your might as unto God. Whether men acknowledge you or not, please labour on. Labour on in sincerity and in diligence; do away with eye service and your labour will count much. Do what He tells you to do no matter how unpopular. Always remember, the Divine Estimate differs from that of man!

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