Jesus saw it happen. Jesus warned us it would happen even to those who call themselves Christ followers. (Matt 23)
All their works they do to be seen by others (Matt 23:5)
They love the best places at the feasts, the best seats, and the big greetings and the big titles. (Matt 23: 6-7).
They’ve lost their first love, or maybe Jesus was never their first love at all, as they bask in the praise of others more than seeking the praise of God.
They get drunk on their own influence and power and now that addictive need for praise and control clouds every decision they make.
And the truth is, this lust for power and control is not reserved for big corporate churches, but finds its way into the smallest of churches with “good ole boy networks” and in the smallest of ministries and committees.
I’ve watched as those who may have started out strong are lulled in by praise and power and then seem to forget it’s God’s stage, and God’s church, and God’s glory to be had…not theirs.
As time goes on, they begin to care less and less about sharing the gospel and wanting the captives to be set free, and more and more about maintaining their rule and influence over the lives of others.
It’s ugly.
And none of us are immune.
We must daily guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
We have to ask ourselves if we are doing what we are doing to be seen and no longer willing to serve behind the scenes?
We must resist the urge to become puffed up with power and knowledge with a decreasing love for God and others.
God warns us that “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.” (1 Cor 8:2-3).
We were created to make God known—not created to use what we know about God to make ourselves known and wield our control over others.
Jesus didn’t mince words when He said, “ Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” (Matt 23:25)
The truth is as it has always been—we have hearts that are prone to wander. We ALL (me too) need to watch lest we fall to the same temptations the enemy has been using since the beginning of time- the elevation of self over the elevation of God.
May we daily remember and be on guard —Jesus did not come to be served but to give His life as a ransom for many (Matt 20:28).
May we live for the praise of the One whose Name is (rightfully) above every name (Phil 2:9). He alone deserves and can handle the glory. We are to simply live as “beggars telling other beggars where we found bread.” (Luther)
May we serve others with a humble heart, for the glory of God alone, may we be on guard against the schemes of the evil one who seeks to take down ministers, ministries and churches through the deception of self-elevation.
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Kim Jaggers Ministry 