How Does A Church Become Egotistical? (By Gary Patterson)
"...then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Philippians 2:2-4)
How does a congregation become egotistical? How does arrogance creep into the church? One the main attitudes that Satan loves to develop in the Christian community is "selfishness." Here the apostle Paul writes to the Christians at Philippi, and he admonishes them to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit." And it really shows in how we treat one another. Do we "value others above ourselves?" Are we looking to our own interests, instead of the interests of others.
Being a pastor for almost fifty years, I have seen people, including myself and my family, ignored, snubbed, and treated like second class citizens, in a Christian community where everyone is special, because God loves all of us, and sent His Son to die for all of us.
It's time for some of our fellow Christians to get off their high horses, and get down to the level of realization, that we are all sinners saved by the grace of God. The apostle Paul tells us that we are all to be "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." My question is, "are we?"
As a pastor, it was my responsibility to show an interest in every individual, or family, in my care. To strive to be there for each member of this flock that God called me to shepherd. Especially on Sunday morning, as members gather to worship. What an opportunity to speak and encourage on a one to one basis. Not just certain ones, but as many as possible. You never know who may need a pastoral encouraging word.
I agree with the apostle Paul, when he said: "...in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." I believe that when we learn to do this, we will see church growth like never before. The early Christians practiced it, and look at what church growth they experienced in their time. (Acts 2:46-47) Can it happen today? Indeed it can! GP
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