The Pedestal

Good Afternoon!

As the church (the ekklesia) plunged into the dark ages (5th century and beyond) the desire for power and control became the norm for too many that classified themselves as Christians.

Prestige, notoriety and money were sought after and recognized as the spoils of the elitist group called Clergy.

Being a Christian leader became a sought-after and even coveted position. It promised influence and security in a very fickle and uncertain world.

Even though this is diametrically opposed to New Testament modelling, have we carried on this 1500 year old distortion into our North American church of today.

Too often, modern Christianity is “celebrity” driven and focused. We have speakers and ministry leaders that are treated like Rock Stars, requesting large sums of money to make an appearance plus a list of “behind the scenes” demands. These include the types of vehicles they ride in, rooms they require, kinds of food they expect, even the brand of water they will drink.

Friends, what have we allowed ourselves to be mesmerized with?
Jesus did not look for fame or fortune and often, He instructed people not to say who He was or what He had done for them. He left His position in heaven and became a servant. He was content to be born in a stable and not own massive homes. A few times had the luxury of riding a donkey but most of the time He just walked.

He didn’t give Himself lofty titles or force others to be sub-servient. Jesus completely understood that the word minister meant to serve. He washed feet, cooked meals and gave His life for others.

The Apostle Paul said he wasn’t worthy to be called an apostle of Jesus Christ and that he was the least of the least. He made tents to generate income and was willing to die so that others may obtain eternal life in Christ.

In North America we have had many decades of celebrity Christian leaders falling off the pedestals we have placed them on. There is only one superstar and His name is Jesus. He is the only one to be elevated, all the rest of us are in this together. There are no “big guys” other than Him, all the rest of us are, “just us”.

Yes but some say, “shouldn’t we honour the gift”? This sounds very noble but in reality it quickly slides over to honouring the person. Remember, they are just gifts that are given. If we then call it a gift, we must recognize that it has no bearing on the person receiving it other than obedience.

Can we stop elevating the person because of the gift? They didn’t earn it nor do they deserve it. They are not “better” or “greater”. They don’t carry a greater anointing because anointing is just His enabling given to an individual and is part of the gift.

Ephesians tells us that the primary role of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher, is to equip the saints (the ekklesia) for the work of the ministry (service), not for them to become superstars. The passage alludes to the, “behind the scenes” task of these five rather than the lime-light and their prestige.

A 2017 resolution----abandon our “celebrity” mentality and all of us to be overjoyed just to be a productive part of the body.

HE IS THE HEAD, WE ARE THE BODY

George

Comments

1/11/2017
Well done

1/11/2017
Thanks for reminding us who the real reason we are serving and praising God and sitting under His Grace.

1/11/2017
Very true and powerful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts to all of us.

1/12/2017
I love it!

2/6/2017
Wholeheartedly agree. I'm now 50. Been serving the Lord from age 5. I've said similar things on Facebook page. My organization uses the term Rev. as my title. I cannot refer to myself as such. There is only One who is to be revered. What bothers me is religion often gets in the way of and misrepresents Relationship. I'm all for doctrine if it is truly biblical. I won't worship that or tradition or anything else made made. Everyone and Everyone must pass the Word test.