What does following human leaders reveal about our spiritual maturity? Following People vs. Following Christ 1 Corinthians 1:12—“What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, ‘I follow Paul,’ ‘I follow Apollos,’ ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow Christ.’” What the Verse Exposes - Attachment to gifted leaders can eclipse attachment to the Lord who gifted them. - Spiritual allegiance is being redirected from the Savior to servants. - Party-spirit fractures the one body Christ purchased with His blood (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12–13). Indicators of Spiritual Immaturity - • Flesh-driven loyalties: “For since there is jealousy and strife among you…are you not walking in the flesh?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). - • Pride in personalities: bragging about “my teacher” rather than boasting in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31). - • Shallow discernment: evaluating worth by eloquence or charisma, not by faithfulness to the gospel (2 Corinthians 10:12). - • Dependence on human approval: “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). Marks of Growing Maturity - • Christ-centered identity—“There is one Lord” (Ephesians 4:5). - • Humble gratitude for every servant God sends (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). - • Doctrinal stability—no longer “tossed by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:13-15). - • Unity that showcases the gospel to a watching world (John 17:21). Why the Issue Matters - Following personalities can rob Christ of the preeminence that is His alone (Colossians 1:18). - It stunts growth; milk is preferred over solid food (Hebrews 5:12-14). - It risks drifting into error when a leader stumbles or swerves (Acts 20:30). Practical Steps Toward Maturity - • Exalt Christ daily—delight in who He is more than in who teaches about Him (Colossians 2:6-10). - • Weigh every message against Scripture like the noble Bereans (Acts 17:11). - • Celebrate diverse gifts without creating rival camps (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). - • Pray for leaders, honor them, but refuse to idolize them (Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:3). - • Keep the cross central; remember “Christ crucified” is the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). Bottom Line Choosing teams around human teachers reveals spiritual infancy; treasuring Christ above every messenger is the path to maturity. |
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