“Exalted!!”
Blessings Folk!!
Allow me to share something that I observe increasing within the Body of Christ.
This is nothing new.
It is a “natural tendency”...a fruit of the flesh.
It is considered to be “normal”.
I believe it is detrimental to the true gospel of Christ.
I also believe that God continues to work in might and power in the midst of such.
What is “it”?
Man exalting himself.
I see it all the time.
Saw it last week in south Florida...a local church...I did some things with them through the years...big, “hip-hop-happen’n now” place...outside is a giant...some 15-20 feet tall… slick photo/banner exalting “the pastor.”
Today, I encountered locally the same…”So-n-so did it again last night”...then on goes the praise of the individual...and the great things done at a gathering.
Now, hear me carefully.
We are to encourage one another.
We are to exhort one another.
We are to give thanks for one another.
We are to honor one another.
Yet, so much of what is associated with “church”...especially those portions that receive so much attention...centers around a personality. Yes, they will refer to God. Often preach/teach truths, but so often there is an undercurrent of self-exaltation.
Hear what the Word of the Lord says…
Matt 23:10-12
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
KJV
Jesus said this...in the midst of a amazing dressing down of the religious rulers. “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees.” Take time to read the entire chapter.
This occurs often. Folk take on the name/title of “evangelist”, “pastor”, “pastor/teacher”, “bishop”, etc. etc.
2 Cor 11:17-20
17 What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.
18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also.
19 For you, being so wise, tolerate the foolish gladly.
20 For you tolerate it if anyone enslaves you, anyone devours you, anyone takes advantage of you, anyone exalts himself, anyone hits you in the face.
NASU
So many portions not only tolerate the foolishness of exaltation that enslaves, devours and takes advantage, they seek it. They think it is the norm. They have someone to point to and admire.
They forget the Word of the Lord!
Ps 99:5
5 Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
KJV
Ps 99:9
9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy.
KJV
Ps 107:32
32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
KJV
We are to do two things.
- Exalt the Lord
- Humble ourselves
1 Peter 5:6-7
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
KJV
Let us humble ourselves.
Let us quit exalting ourselves, our programs, our “leaders”.
Let us exalt the Lord alone!!
He will exalt in the proper manner in due time.
Blessings!!
Today’s reading from the “So That’s Why” Bible consist of pp. 625-631.
Pray especially for…
- Shelley’s family
- Diane
- Bethenia
- those on Prayerlist
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