Well Antaiwan, to me it is not a question of the elect developing the ability to rule the world with Christ now or later... How could they ever hope to develop such an ability (the quality of being able: power, skill) accept it is given to them, a gift, by/through Christ? Isn't everything we have a gift from God.
But I think I know what you are saying... won't the elect have to learn how to rule? I really don't think that's how it works.
1Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, let it be as the words of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as of the ability which God gives, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ, to whom is the glory, and the might forever and ever. Amen.
When the elect rule it will be to the glory of God 'through' Jesus Christ, the person is not able to bring any ability, power or even knowledge into the equation. This life is to gain a backdrop from this experience we are having in this physical life, for our own understanding and so we relate to the people to be ruled in the next age. We are gaining a knowledge of how good and evil works and the consequences, learning humility, etc. These things are the basics we need, but I think it's all God needs to use the elect to do the work He desires to do 'through' them in the next age.
Yes they will keep their personality, He is creating us all into unique individuals, I believe that is an important part of what He is accomplishing with the human race. To think that being 'one' with God is dissolving into a single all powerful entity is entirely wrong, and totally nullifies this individuality that God is accomplishing in us in this life.
But just as Christ could do nothing of His own self, neither can the elect do anything without Christ. EVERYTHING the elect do when ruling is to the glory of God, and His work in/through them will be perfect, as they will have been perfected in resurrection. That's what it means by, " He must increase, but I must decrease." We must release all of this carnality - enmity against God, that will only happen at resurrection into spirit.
John 5:30 I can do nothing of My own self. As I hear, I judge, and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of the Father who has sent Me.
John 15:5 I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
Maybe it's a little hard to face the idea that we have to release or have all of our 'own' will (actually carnality) removed, after all that's all we know right now. But when God abides in us it full power, I do not think we can comprehend how much of a glorious thing that will be.
1John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God has in us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
v. 17 In this is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, that as He is, so also we are in this world.
1Cor 2:9 But as it is written, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard," nor has it entered into the heart of man, "the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
mercy, peace and love
Kat