Image by sonson via FlickrHuman nature can take some strange turns along this road called life. One of the side roads many pastors end up on is the Pastor Preeminent Parkway. No true man of God starts out with this in mind. It just seems to happen. Unlike the picture to the left, wrong turns are not okay… especially that of seeking preeminence!
People Can Spot You…
One of the biggest complaints I hear about pastors is that many of them seem to carry themselves as preeminent in everything “church”. This idolatrous behavior is not confined to any one denomination. In fact, these prima donnas seem to find a “tap root” in the well of any “kind” of church.
(Colossians 1:18) “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (KJV)
It’s All About HIM!
Jesus Christ is preeminent… period. It is all about Him and less about us. The ministry is bigger than any single entity. The pulpit is not in place for ego maniacs who are out of control. Though modern television is a hot bed for painted up, effeminate, jewelry wearing, money grabbers, true men of God will not only acknowledge Christ as the head of the church, but will also take their proper seat.
(John 3:30) “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (KJV)
Are You A Diotrephes?
(3 John 1:9) “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.” (KJV)
A great church leader in the first century was a man named Paul. Not one time do you find this gentleman exalting himself. Rather, you find him constantly abasing himself. Prima donna pastors were a thorn in his side then just as they are in our side today. The Apostle Paul called out Diotrephes in Scripture! How awful it must be to ever be associated with encroachment upon the deity of Christ.
Conclusion…
Dear pastor friend of mine… dear christian… please do not seek preeminence in any forum. If you find yourself constantly critical of people around you, then you are well on your way to being a person of preeminence. If you have to always be right, or always have to have it your way, then you are being preeminent. Deal with your insecurities in a godly way, not through putting Christ off of His rightful throne.
