Every now and then we need to remind ourselves who should be in charge, remind ourselves who should be receiving high-definition video and who, on the contrary, should be receiving audio. This passage from the Bible has been haunting me since I reread it yesterday. Let's talk about it.
Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians writes this:
“For our preaching is not based on error or impurity or deceit. But just as we were approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men but God who tests our hearts. For we never used flattering words, as you know, nor did we ever use covetousness, as God is witness. We did not seek glory from men, either from you or from others. …”1Th 2:3-6
This is what can only greatly influence the way we live our calling.
First of all, as a leader, my motivation must be good. My heart must constantly seek only what is good and pure, what is ethical. I must be devoid of ulterior motives, for the motivation of my heart will be judged by God.
As a leader, my words must be true. Every word must come from an absolute conviction of its truthfulness, its relevance to the good news of Christ, its value in God's eyes, and what God wants people to say. I must never say what people want to hear just to please themselves, to please me, or to be popular. Rather, I must speak in such a way as to please God, not to entertain the crowd.
Besides, I am a pastor, I am neither an actress nor a motivational coach; I do not play on emotions; I do not manipulate people with flattering words, I do not stroke their fur. It is true that the Bible says that in the last days, men will have 'itching ears to hear pleasant things, they will accumulate for themselves teachers according to their own desires' but far from me to become one of those. I must encourage, but never flatter, always speak the truth and never use deception.
As a leader, I must not seek praise from people. Otherwise, my motives and words will be polluted. I must seek praise from God alone, desperately seek His approval, and look to Him for encouragement. If I seek encouragement from people, I submit to their whims and become emotionally dependent on them. When they celebrate me, I would be happy, and when they withhold their approval, I would be unhappy. They would therefore be standing in the place God should occupy in my life.
As a leader, I must be without greed; I must not use the gospel for any personal gain. I must adhere to strict ethical standards in all things.
So, whatever people think or say about my preaching and ministry, I could, like Paul, say 'God is my witness.'
For every minister of God, this is the 'gold standard,' the key element by which to evaluate your life and ministry. Base yourself on God's approval within, not on man's approval without. It is human nature to be fickle, to swear off passionate love today and desert it tomorrow; but if you hold fast to God's approval, He will continue to renew your strength, encourage you, and cause you to live continually in love, joy, peace, and victory. Your passion will be constantly renewed, and your enthusiasm will not wane.
And for every believer, this is the 'gold standard,' the key element for evaluating your leaders. Are they striving to please men or God? Do they flatter you? Do they take advantage of you financially? What are their motivations? Are they more interested in their popularity than in encouraging you in holiness and intimacy with God? Ultimately, if you want leaders led by God, you should stop pushing them to preach only what pleases you, to feed your weaknesses. You deserve leaders who challenge you, who love while reprimanding, who prefer to obey God rather than obey you.
And finally, do they receive God in high definition video?
You must be logged in to post a comment.