The Prostitutes Distracting God’s Soldiers (Part Four)

As you would recall, we are busy discussing the prostitutes that render the modern-day Christian inefficient. Today I address church leaders, any Christian in a leadership capacity, and those who adore church leaders.

Girl two - the lust for power.

One major task the Holy Spirit has is to keep us humble. We do enjoy being important, do we not? Because of our lust after power we often allow people to put us on thrones and give us titles. In some instances church has become a sort of kingdom of its own – leaders acting as the king with all his followers. The leader’s word and Bible interpretation are often the alpha and omega and should not be questioned. How often have you disagreed with the behaviour or teaching of a leader, but the system or the leader himself did not allow you the opportunity to sort it out with him. I have had many instances where I had to point out to church leaders the error in their teaching. Some have accepted it graciously and corrected their error, but others did not respond very favourably.

Maybe this does not apply to you or maybe it hits right on the spot, but I want to ask why we accept this glorification? Why do we enjoy it when people worship us? Why do we strive for positions of importance? Does the Word not teach us the contrary?  “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all,” (Mark 9:35). This is mentioned five times in the New Testament. Have a look at Luke 14:7-11. It concludes with the words: “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

"Beware of the teachers of the law (maybe certain church leaders?). They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most  important seats in the synagogues (churches?) and the places of honor at banquets,” (Luke 20:46). This is mentioned five times in New Testament.

“He called a little child and had Him stand among them.  And He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 18:2-4).

What does it mean to become like a little child? Have you ever seen a proud and blown up four year old who ignores those not beneficial to him and who loves and smiles at only those whom he considers worthy? Have you ever seen one with hidden motives and false pretenses, or one who decides which skin colour,  physical appearance, or social standing is acceptable to him whilst the others he considers inferior or not important. No, a child spontaneously loves and accepts anybody. He gives and gives abundantly, has none of the adult pride mentioned above and forgives automatically. He never accuses or keeps grievances, like many adults do.  

“Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, And whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many," (Matthew 20:25-28).

Do I hear you protest: “But it is not me who lifts myself up, it is the people.” It may be so, but why do we accept it, why do we accept the title and in the end introduce ourselves as such? Why do we accept the important places and positions? Is it not for enhancing in ourselves a feeling of importance, or maybe for using the position of authority to our own benefit and for the presentation of our own ideas? Come; let us look deeper than the obvious!

Should we not set an example of humility and service? The senior leader of a mega church once admitted in a sermon he had marital struggles and next thing all the leaders in the church with marital problems came out for counsel. In another church the leader was very humble with regard to his struggles and weaknesses and the anointing of God was powerfully on that church.

Do you know the acronym WWJD (what would Jesus do)? Have you ever taken the trouble to study Jesus’ lifestyle and personality; “While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and ‘sinners’ came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’  On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners,’" (Matthew 9:10-13).

“Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’  Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head,’” (Matthew 8:19-20).

How do you compare with Jesus in the context of above scriptures? How would you picture Jesus if He would live today? Maybe He would live in a luxurious home. On Sundays He would polish himself into a tailor-cut suit and drive to His church building of architectural beauty in His luxury car to treat the folks down there with a smooth sermon from His pedestal. Would He?

Or would He maybe be on the dusty streets of the ghetto in His casuals loving, feeding and healing people? At night He would be invited to sleep in a shack or a small flat with those who cannot afford and extra mouth to feed, but would leave them with a blessing from the Almighty God the next day.

How do you compare with Jesus in the context of the above scripture examples?

Lord, help me to become like Jesus.

(To be continued)