So What I’m Still A Rock Star

    There is a very real danger for preachers. You speak to hundreds (maybe more) of people a week.  You are viewed by people as an expert on everything from the Bible to morality to raising kids to happy marriages.  People call you for advice; quote you in the café, and brag about you to their friends.  Your words have a power to change people. Little old ladies dote on you.  You deny it but you do like it. Who wouldn't  You preach, it hard not to be a little bit proud, you do good work. 

    But then you find yourself smirking about how many people follow you on twitter.  Your favorite morning ritual is to see how many people read your blog.  You can’t wait to see how big of a hit the next sermon will be.  You’re popular.  They like what you have to say.  Sure there are some that don’t see it, but those people are little minded.  They can’t capture an audience like you can.  They can’t see the potential of growth like you do.

    Then you start to see yourself not just as ordinary preacher but one that can change how people view the scripture.  You’re a revolutionary.  Listen to me and follow what I say and this church will grow.  I have the answers.  I understand the culture.  Times have changed and I am on the forefront of new frontier.  Never mind those old ideas.  Forget about what you used to do. That was before me.  Before we truly understood what it was all about.  My way is the way.  You’re revered.  They all follow you.  They adore you. You’re a rock star.

     It may not get quite that far but every man that has preached the gospel is going to face it.  The arrogance, the pride, the haughtiness, “the thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought” that can mar our ministry.  Paul had to face it, that’s what the thorn in the flesh was for (2^nd Corinthians 12:7).  Even in “good causes” we can make it all about us. Make ourselves the hub in the middle of the wheel.  Create works and even churches that would fall apart if we weren't there!  We forget we are not the star, we are not to be the focus of praise, it’s not about us.

   What makes it even more difficult is people will push you to it.  Paul warned Timothy about how people will lift up folks that are appealing to them rather than God (2^nd Timothy 4:3).  Popularity isn't a sign you are with God.  But boy does it feel so good!. They make you feel like a rock star (even more so with people advocating raised stages, light show and giant video boards).  God didn't call you to be star; he called you to be a servant.  We are not the one to be “on stage” but rather we are there to lift him up.  In the end it should matter if we are popular, if the accolades role in or if anyone but our master is pleased.  Instead like Jesus tells us in Luke 17:10,  “when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.'