Lesson 3 - Honour me…
APRIL 2023
Jesus made a striking habit (usually after performing a spectacular miracle) to tell His followers not to tell anyone. Not to make a public fuss or add fuel to His fame.
The Son of God walked into rooms and didn’t draw attention to Himself, didn’t demand a display of honour even though He’s the timeless Logos of heaven, hands-on Creator of the universe, the grave-breaking Light of the World. In the upper room no disciple had washed His most honourable feet, so He knelt in the dirt to wash all of theirs, Judas’ included…
Such a contrast to platform leadership today; such a challenge to my own ego and ambition.
In a few weeks we’ll be at our national conference of ministers and leaders and be urged to stand and applaud (almost) everyone who steps onto the stage. We welcome them with adulation, before a word is said. We ‘honour’ great orators, celebrate celebrity pastors, cheer church planters. I think I understand some of the ideas behind it, yet even though I’m uncomfortable with the excesses of all this, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t drawn to the applause myself.
Over the last 25 years I have angled for affirmation and courted human honour on too many occasions. Whether by title or highlighted achievements, ‘evang-elastic’ ministry reports or conveniently hiding hundreds of mistakes to profile a singular success, here I am. Lord, have mercy.
My ego says, ‘honour me, look at me, thank me’.
My heart says, ‘honour only Him’.
One of the major story arcs of the Old Testament is the repeated failure of God’s people to worship only Him. Idolatry, like adultery, shipwrecks a covenant by taking what is meant for one and sharing with others. Over the ages and to this Instagram day, we are prone to misplaced glory, to take the applause fit only for the King and give it to fellow beggars like us.
Paul ends Romans 11 with this powerful corrective:
“For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.”
The lesson? It’s no secret that ambition bites the nails of success (Bono), and it’s no secret that platformed egos competing for the limelight in the Church could distract us all from who God really is and what He really wants to do. We must become less, so Jesus can take His place.
The prayer? Lord, forgive me for seeking praise, and forgive us for giving Your glory to others. In Your grace and mercy, help us to truly honour only You.