How can we avoid elevating leaders above others, as warned in Matthew 23:8? Setting the Foundation “ ‘But you are not to be called “Rabbi,” for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.’ ” (Matthew 23:8) Why This Matters • Jesus contrasts the Pharisaic hunger for titles with the family identity of believers. • The warning guards the church from pride, division, and misplaced trust (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:12-13). Practical Steps to Keep Leaders in Proper Perspective • Fix eyes on the ultimate Teacher – Hebrews 12:2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” – Remember that even gifted pastors are learners under Christ’s authority. • Cultivate brother-sister language and mindset – Note how Paul addresses congregations as “brothers” (e.g., Philippians 1:12). – Using family terms subtly reinforces equal standing at the foot of the cross. • Guard your heart from celebrity culture – 1 Corinthians 3:4-7 reminds us that neither “Paul” nor “Apollos” is anything; “only God who makes things grow.” – Measure teaching by Scripture, not charisma or popularity. • Practice servant leadership models – 1 Peter 5:2-3 urges elders to shepherd “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” – Leaders wash feet; they do not seek pedestals (John 13:14-15). • Encourage mutual ministry – Ephesians 4:12: leaders equip “the saints for works of ministry,” spreading responsibility across the body. – Rotate testimonies, prayers, and service roles to showcase diverse gifts. • Reject favoritism and partiality – James 2:1: “My brothers, do not practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with favoritism.” – Publicly honor unseen servants (e.g., facilities, children’s workers) to balance attention. • Keep doctrine central, titles secondary – Galatians 1:8 places fidelity to the gospel above allegiance to personalities. – Address leaders by functional terms (pastor, elder) rather than honorific titles that elevate status. Daily Heart Checks • Pray for leaders, never idolize them (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Ask: “Would I still follow this counsel if it came from a lesser-known believer?” • Celebrate growth in Christlikeness more than growth in platforms. Fruit of Obedience When the church avoids elevating leaders above others, it models heaven’s value system: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Unity deepens, the gospel shines more brightly, and leaders themselves serve with freedom rather than pressure to perform. |
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