Matthew 23:5 KJV
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
To be seen of men
A huge danger of the ministry is its public nature. So much of what a preacher does, he does in the sight of men.
• His preaching ministry
• His teaching ministry
• His counseling ministry
• His visitation ministry
• His comforting ministry
• His leadership ministry
Is all done before one or more.
He is likely to be praised or thanked or in some other way complimented for these ministries before the people. And when he is, is he is not mindful of it, he may be lifted up in self because of it. The constant barrage of acknowledgements that come as part and parcel with the public portion of ministry can have devastating effects as the preacher becomes more and more accustomed to accepting those acknowledgements.
The cure, in light of our Saviour's warning is simple; there must be much more that the preacher does in private than what is ever done in public. The preacher's private time with the Lord in study and in prayer, in introspection and personal examination, in humility and in meekness before the Lord must outweigh those moments in the spotlight of public ministry exponentially. We can't afford the delusion that we are somehow worthy of public acknowledgement and accolade. We cannot allow ourselves to be seduced into thinking we can handle such praise and remain in right relationship with God.
Only large amounts of time in privacy and loneliness before the Lord can inoculate the public man from the disease of the praise of men.
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
To be seen of men
A huge danger of the ministry is its public nature. So much of what a preacher does, he does in the sight of men.
• His preaching ministry
• His teaching ministry
• His counseling ministry
• His visitation ministry
• His comforting ministry
• His leadership ministry
Is all done before one or more.
He is likely to be praised or thanked or in some other way complimented for these ministries before the people. And when he is, is he is not mindful of it, he may be lifted up in self because of it. The constant barrage of acknowledgements that come as part and parcel with the public portion of ministry can have devastating effects as the preacher becomes more and more accustomed to accepting those acknowledgements.
The cure, in light of our Saviour's warning is simple; there must be much more that the preacher does in private than what is ever done in public. The preacher's private time with the Lord in study and in prayer, in introspection and personal examination, in humility and in meekness before the Lord must outweigh those moments in the spotlight of public ministry exponentially. We can't afford the delusion that we are somehow worthy of public acknowledgement and accolade. We cannot allow ourselves to be seduced into thinking we can handle such praise and remain in right relationship with God.
Only large amounts of time in privacy and loneliness before the Lord can inoculate the public man from the disease of the praise of men.
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