Three Things to be Abstained by Preachers

The calling of preachers is a noble one. As such, their actions, decisions and activities have a great bearing on the church. While it is necessary to ensure that their positions will not he instruments of abuse, it should not be done through a set of stringent rules and regulations meant to restrict and control, The correct approach would he constructive admonishment. This could be achieved with the help and motivation of the Holy Spirit. Described below are three things which preachers should be cautious of:

Being a hireling.

There are notably three kinds of shepherds. The first is like thieves who are bad elements, like a pack of bandits (Jn 10:1) only receiving wages but without doing any work. The second is like hirelings (Jn 10:12) working only for wages. The last type is like Jesus, sacrificing His life for the sheep (Jn 10:11). Peter and Paul are typical examples who suffered willingly for the Lord’s sake (Phil 2:17; 3:9; Mk 10:28-30 ; 2 Pet 1:13-15).

Power-seeking.

During the apostolic times there was a person named Diotrephes who had crazed for power (3 Jn 9-12). The two sons of Zebedee, James and John also on one occasion requested Jesus for positions by I (is sides of his throne in the kingdom of God (Mk 10:35-45), Even on the eve of the crucifixion, the twelve apostles were still contending among themselves as to who was the greatest (Lk 22:24-27). All these were foolish acts. The leaders in the church do not represent authority. They are called to serve. The position of the church will be at stake if her leaders are out to greed for power. Sincere workers will be disappointed and consequently the church will suffer great loss.

Seeking after vain glory.

In the church we should avoid being called “Master” (Mt. 23:8-12) for the church is not the place to seek status. The title of an elder or a deacon does not signify positions; rather a responsibility to serve. When the Lord came to the world He was despised and rejected (Is 53:3). Paul likewise was despised and suffered a great deal (1 Cor 4:10-13). It is an obvious fact that while a preacher is generally despised by non-believers, he is well respected in the church. In spite of this he must not he self-conceited (Gal 5:26; Phil 2:3) nor preach himself (2 Cor 4:5), much less commend himself (2 Cor 10:18).

When He was ministering on earth, the Lord Jesus, said, “I do not receive glory from men”. He also said, “How can you believe, who receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (Jn 5:41,44). He said again, “He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood” (Jn 7:18). As such, a sincere preacher does not seek his own glory, but the glory of God.

Apart from being wary of the three things mentioned, a preacher must also honor the Lord as head of the whole church (Col 1: 18), enabling every part to function, that is, to mobilize the members so that everyone performs his duty and concertedly build up the body of Christ (Eph 4:11-16).