Mike’s Musings ….
How Am I Doing? Don’t Praise Me!
It’s a strange title, I know, but bear with me. Years ago, there was a gospel preacher who had convinced himself that he was the best for the congregation where he labored: the best they had ever had and the best they ever would have. (Arrogance does that to minds!) The brethren felt it was time for a change, and informed him of their thoughts, telling him he was welcome to stay, but only as a member who would be helpful. He would no longer be the preacher. He considered their proposal and said, “Why don’t you take a written pole of the brethren and see if this is truly their desire? I’m certain they really don’t want to change. (Arrogance again!) To the preacher’s surprise, more than 80% of the congregation said they wanted the change! Imagine the shock to the preacher! (Arrogance defeated him! The story is true!)
Please don’t praise me! If what I preach and teach is truth, praise God. If the example I live is righteous, praise God. But if I’m ever out of line with truth and righteousness, correct me in love (Galatians 6:1).
No gospel preacher is better than an apostle, and certainly none are better than Christ Jesus. Humility must be their walk of life, or else they will fall! (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5: 5 -6). Preachers are never noted as “officers” in the Lord’s church. Only elders and deacons are so noted. Preachers (i.e., evangelists) are messengers of the gospel (note the word “angel” in the word “evangelist.”) As one child rightly defined them, preachers are “loud-mouthed church members.” Anything more is too much; anything less limits the preaching of the gospel!
Yes, we muse about the question, “How am I doing?” but the answer comes not from the compliments or criticism of brethren: it comes via the actions of those who are taught. If they respond with obvious growth in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18) then the effectiveness of the gospel has come to fruition. It is rarely if ever the effectiveness of the preacher that accomplishes the work God sent preachers to do: the power is NOT in the preacher, but in what he preaches!
I muse as well on the fact too many determine the “goodness” of the preacher by examining personalities, friendships, looks (yes, I said it!), and even his literary and vocal skills, rather than his knowledge and understanding of God’s word. If he isn’t teaching God’s word, and proving its content by God’s word, he is an ineffective man! But if his speech is yea yea, and nay nay, with God’s authority, that, my friends, is a gospel preacher!