Humility needed in the pulpit and pew
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Reflections
Michael J. Brooks
The late radio teacher, J. Vernon McGee, had a famous line: “When Satan fell, he fell into the choir loft!”
This comment may be a bit arcane since contemporary churches may not have a loft or choir, but a “praise team” on stage or platform. But maybe McGee was onto something – at least in a few cases I know.
One Sunday our pianist (this was many moons ago) played a beautiful arrangement just before the sermon. When I stepped to the pulpit, I thanked her and mentioned how I was moved by the rendition.
Shortly I heard a door slam. I dared not look since it would create more interest, but after the benediction, a kindly person explained that the organist left quickly and spoke her hurt to someone on the way out.
Normally the two ladies played a duet, so the piano solo was unusual. I had no clue my statement was offensive, but I called the organist immediately after the service was done.
She was apologetic for interrupting the worship. She said she acted in haste and was “dealing with a lot of things.” I didn’t delve into this, but assured her of my concern and prayers.
Of course, it’s not just musicians that can cause a bit of heartburn on the platform, but pastors, too.
A fellow pastor came into our customary Monday morning meeting one day with a big announcement.
“I fired the choir,” he said, somewhat haughtily.
He explained further: “They were so disgruntled and mean that I told them we just wouldn’t have a choir. They were done.”
Interestingly, the mayor of the town was in this choir.
A few weeks later the pastor was terminated.
A seasoned pastor I heard cautioned the platform can be “ego on parade,” and that we can “strut” before the Lord and His people. An occupational hazard, no doubt.
I’ve often told our parishioners the spotlight never determines the value of ministry. The church’s greater ministry is done outside the spotlight of acclaim.
The late Ray Stedman suggested that 90 percent of Christians have the gift of service (“helps” in the King James Version), meaning they do what needs to be done without seeking recognition. This can be simple acts of charity or writing checks privately without calling attention to our generosity.
However Satan got to Planet Earth, it looks like he’s here for the long-term. Peter described him as a “roaring lion seeking to devour,” thus we must “humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (I Peter 5).
Humility is needed in the pulpit and the pew in order not to give foothold to the enemy.
“Reflections” is a weekly faith column written by Michael J. Brooks, pastor of the Siluria Baptist Church, Alabaster, Ala. The church’s website is siluriabaptist.com.
