I REMEMBER A TIME IN THE CHURCH CALLED “Testimony time” and it was all about how good God was. It was a time to give glory to God for what He is doing and had done in your life. Something has changed. We visit a lot of churches when we are away from home and most nowadays praise the preacher more than Jesus.
There’s a lot of nonsense on social media concerning, “who is the better preacher?” And most often their question is between two entertainers, not preaching the gospel. Quick word to the wise: charisma and content are two different things. Give me a dry preacher with godly content and instruction over a charismatic preacher puffing up my ego. How is it that you have no discernment?
In the last 30 years or maybe more, there’s been a very large movement in the church from exalting Jesus to exalting self. It is more about what the preacher has done than what He has done. I get it. I preach a lot on your identity in Christ. You have to know who you are in Christ.
You are a new creation. You are forgiven. You are a royal priesthood and a holy nation. You are the righteousness of God. BUT all these things are predicated on Christ being in you and you remaining connected to Jesus and the Body. Outside of Him, we can do nothing. Outside of Him, we are nothing. Paul, who wrote majority of the NT said this,
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Paul who had more reason to boast of all he had done for Christianity said things like, “I am least of the apostles”; “I am the chief of all sinners”. Paul, who changed his own name from “Saul” to “Paul” which means “little one” in order to reach others and to not exalt himself but to bring all glory to Jesus. Paul who grieved and ripped his clothes when the people of Mars Hill praised him instead of Jesus
. Many these days would take the praise and boast in their arrogance. We claim we are “encouraging” people, but we are really exalting them. We proclaim “look what they’ve done” or “look what I’ve done” instead of “look what Jesus has done.” He makes a way when there is no way— not us. We begin to believe the lies and receive the praises of men. If we are strong it’s because Christ is strong in us.
If we are bold and courageous, it is because the Spirit in us is bold and courageous. If there is any goodness in us, it is because He is good. Yes, we must be faithful. Yes, we must be bold. Yes, we must overcome. Yes, we cannot quit. Yet, we are never told to exalt ourself; We are commanded to die to ourself and live for Him. Can I just tell you Jesus is so good. I am nothing without Him, but I can do all things with Him.
Dear Saint, we need to get back to giving all praise and all glory to Jesus alone. Who gave you your breath? Who gave you those talents? Who gave you that charisma?
“Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, From the terror of the Lord And the glory of His majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts Shall come upon everything proud and lofty, Upon everything lifted up— And it shall be brought low—” Isaiah 2:10-12
#runyourrace
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
