When we say, “What a wonderful personality, what a fascinating person, and what wonderful insight!” then what opportunity does the gospel of God have through all of that? It cannot get through, because the attraction is to the messenger and not the messae. If a person attracts through his personality, that becomes his appeal. If however, he is identified with the Lord Himself, then the appeal becomes what Jesus Christ can do. The danger is to glory in men, yet Jesus says we are to lift up only Him (see John 12.32)
~ Oswald Chambers
(ht: dying church)
This has been a constant struggle for myself as I continue to wade through the art and craft of preaching. As I spend hours crafting and wordsmithing a message and then to the point of delivery, I find myself looking to receive “credit” or “affirmation” that the message was received well and that in some way I am acknowledged for the insight or information that is presented within… or that somehow the message connected on an emotional level and I am acknowledged for taking them to that place. I’m in no way a megalomaniac or looking to manipulate through words but there is a dark-side within me that cannot seem to allow me to be removed from the need to be praised.
This quote from Chambers really hits home and helps me to re-focus in on preaching for what it’s meant to do… bring glory to Jesus, show the world Jesus, remind the world of Jesus—instead of me. My life verse has been John 3.30 for reasons relating to this and others as I continue to try and re-affirm this in my own heart and mind so that my soul will not be blackened and overcome by my own pride.
I think my experience at CCC in relation to the teaching team has been a very healthy experience as I see the power of collaboration taking place and the “ego’s” (if there are any) of each member taking a back seat for the good of the church and the good of the group. It’s truly an amazing experience and one that continues to remind me that He [Jesus] must become greater, and I must become less.
I do wonder, however… is the church as a whole doing a good job of attracting people to Jesus—and if not, what (or who) are we attracting them to?
Related posts:
- “Jesus accepting gays”
- overheard.
- a return to the crusades mentality?
- resurrection.
- jesus loves osama… (bin laden)?
These are great questions, Aaron. I know that you are not surprised that I have a strong opinion.
I have a problem with the attracting concept. Seems to me to be more biblical and practical to live among people, rather than try to attract them to something. Also, God is the “attractor”, not us! He is at work in people’s lives and we need to dovetail with what he is doing.
We wind up attracting people to a show (service) and a mini-culture, with its own standards, heroes and expectations. That’s not all bad because there is an attraction to a loving community, but usually the “attraction” is first interpersonal.
Certain methodologies are almost certain to attract a crowd, if that is our goal.
I think love is the only worthy “attractor.”
I agree with Glen. Aaron, I think that you only need to remind yourself of “King David” and where his pride took him at HCC.
Your need for affirmation is only natural. You are, after all, a chip off of my block. You said, “I find myself looking to receive “credit” or “affirmation” that the message was received well and that in some way I am acknowledged for the insight or information that is presented within… or that somehow the message connected on an emotional level and I am acknowledged for taking them to that place.” Keep in mind that there is a difference between looking to receive credit and seeking affirmation that the message was received. While it is nice to be acknowledged, it is more important that you validate receipt of the message. This is, more or less, quality control in your preaching. By obtaining affirmation that the message was understood, you are able to evaluate what you are doing and determine the need to improve.
Remember, you are running a race. Stay focused on the race, don’t look to the stands, keep your eye to the finish line. It is there, where you will receive credit that you will then gladly lay at the feet of Jesus because He put the words in your mouth to begin with.
“Dad” ~ Just knowing Aaron causes me to hold you in high regard.
Aaron~ I was hoping that you would “take the bait!” These are some important issues that you brought up.