"...and thou hast tried them which
say they are apostles, and are not,
and hast found them liars."
Revelation 2:2b
I must confess that I have a deep fear with regard to giving titles to individuals within the church...
say they are apostles, and are not,
and hast found them liars."
Revelation 2:2b
I must confess that I have a deep fear with regard to giving titles to individuals within the church...
And, inadvertently, lifting them up to levels of praise that almost seems to equal the adoration we must reserve only for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, however, as a lay person I have observed so much of this within the Christian community. We have, on occasion, been guilty of elevating people and making them into "super saints" and superstars. We've placed them on man-made pedestals and admire them to such a degree that we lose sight of their humanity. And we somehow forget that they're only frail flesh, capable of falling at any moment.
Yesterday, for instance, I wrote about a few well-meaning friends whom, it appears to me, have placed me on a pedestal of their own making. In their eyes, I've become an apostle and a "holy" man. I am neither.
While I long to live in close union with God, I am content to be known as that of "brother" or "servant." Likewise, my holiness, as with all Christians, comes from the Lord. He alone has clothed me with His garments of righteousness. He alone has set me apart, as God has done for every believer in Christ, to be used as a "holy" vessel of honor. But it is all His doing, and not mine or anyone else's.
Although there are some within the church who desire positions of prominence and power, and who covet such things for themselves, most of who ignorantly place other Christians on a pedestal and give them excessive praise, probably mean well. Nevertheless, it is scary to lift up other men and women. And it is also dangerous because God, I believe, is not going to share His glory.
In addition, if by chance a Christian loves being in a high position of power and prestige, then let me state this: He will come down."Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12).
After all, throughout the history of the church many a self-appointed or man-appointed apostle, prophet, leader or minister has crashed. And those who are puffed up with pride will in due time be deflated; sometimes it's for the whole world to see, too.
I wish, therefore, to be a lowly disciple who shoulders his cross cheerfully and courageously. I want to love my fellow man and walk in humility before the Lord. And to always have a deep gratitude for all Jesus has done for me.
D.B.
Unfortunately, however, as a lay person I have observed so much of this within the Christian community. We have, on occasion, been guilty of elevating people and making them into "super saints" and superstars. We've placed them on man-made pedestals and admire them to such a degree that we lose sight of their humanity. And we somehow forget that they're only frail flesh, capable of falling at any moment.
Yesterday, for instance, I wrote about a few well-meaning friends whom, it appears to me, have placed me on a pedestal of their own making. In their eyes, I've become an apostle and a "holy" man. I am neither.
While I long to live in close union with God, I am content to be known as that of "brother" or "servant." Likewise, my holiness, as with all Christians, comes from the Lord. He alone has clothed me with His garments of righteousness. He alone has set me apart, as God has done for every believer in Christ, to be used as a "holy" vessel of honor. But it is all His doing, and not mine or anyone else's.
Although there are some within the church who desire positions of prominence and power, and who covet such things for themselves, most of who ignorantly place other Christians on a pedestal and give them excessive praise, probably mean well. Nevertheless, it is scary to lift up other men and women. And it is also dangerous because God, I believe, is not going to share His glory.
In addition, if by chance a Christian loves being in a high position of power and prestige, then let me state this: He will come down."Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12).
After all, throughout the history of the church many a self-appointed or man-appointed apostle, prophet, leader or minister has crashed. And those who are puffed up with pride will in due time be deflated; sometimes it's for the whole world to see, too.
I wish, therefore, to be a lowly disciple who shoulders his cross cheerfully and courageously. I want to love my fellow man and walk in humility before the Lord. And to always have a deep gratitude for all Jesus has done for me.
D.B.
