Have We Turned Our Favorite Preachers and Teachers into Idols?
Share
There is a problem that has been brewing in the church, literally for centuries. In this modern day of social media, I don’t know if the problem is bigger than it has been, but it can spread faster than it ever has before. To highlight this dilemma, I want to take you to two simple verses in the book of Acts.
While the Cornelius Response may be natural, what is missing is the Peter Reaction. Many in the modern church who are in positions of influence have bought into their position. People are telling them how great they are, and they are believing it. The longer this happens, the more they are prone to become like the Pharisees.
Sad to say, but many have embraced this place of honor and have believed their press clippings. While people are pouring out reverence on these people, strangely, what is missing is Peter’s type of reaction. Where are the people in places of influence saying, “Get up I am only a man.” Oddly enough, when praise is being heaped on them, this language is absent. However, if they slip and fall, they are quick to remind everyone they are only human.
There is a truth that I have said before, but bears repeating. God uses people in spite of who they are, not because of who they are. God does not look for special people. God takes ordinary people and anoints what they do, which makes them seem special. If you remove his anointing from the process, you will discover talent or gifting alone cannot bless you in the same fashion.
The answer to this problem is a lot simpler than you realize.
A few years ago, my wife and I were attending a small church where we were heavily involved. Even though we stayed and continued to serve, we knew God had instructed us to leave. We stayed two years longer than we were supposed to because we had the mindset if we leave who is going to do what we do? That might seem noble, but we later realized the stench of pride was seeping all through that type of thinking. That church was God’s church, not ours, and if he is leading us out, he will lead someone else in. We simply had to stop thinking of ourselves more highly that we ought.
What we need from all believers, but especially those who are in the spotlight, is an acknowledgement of their humanity. A recognition they are not the special ones, but Jesus is. However, this is a two-sided solution because we must stop looking at them more highly than we ought to. If God uses them, wonderful and we should encourage them in their gifts. However, encouragement is a long way from worship.
My prayer is we would get to the place where there are no “superstars” in Christianity except the one who is the true superstar, Jesus Christ. Let his name be honored, lifted up, worshipped, and praised forever because he is the only one who is worthy.
For everyone else, let’s take the attitude of Peter. Regardless of how much God uses you or how big your platform is, you are only a man or woman. This keeps you humble and keeps Jesus in the forefront as the object of our worship. This is how it was then, and this is how it should always be.
More from this author
5 Things to Remember as You Wait on God
4 Ways All Christians Must Redefine Success
Are You Worshipping the Servant or Worshipping the Master?
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/allanswart
