Idol worship? In today’s church?

But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:8-12

Who was this addressed to? The Pharisees – the ‘spiritual leadership’ of the time. Can we talk about this ‘correction’? How many still enjoy (or demand) a professional ‘title’ of ‘spiritual significance’? Like… ‘Pastor’, or ‘Prophet’, or ‘Apostle’, or ‘Teacher’ – when ‘brother’ should suffice? Why do we insist on the world’s hierarchical pyramid of ‘authority’? Jesus immediately addresses this hierarchical issue – and tells them that they are the ‘servant’ …NOT above the people. There is another title that Jesus brings up that is a bit more sensitive – and that being ‘father’. Once a boy becomes a ‘man’ the shift needs to lift to the heavenly Father. Many in religious circles may still use and require the title of ‘father’ for a ‘spiritual leader’, but that title can set all sorts of wrong heart ties, and lead to manipulation, especially by humans who want more control over individuals, or by individuals who haven’t resolved their ‘father wounds’ from childhood. How many PK’s (preacher’s kids) have great difficulty, because of the religious pressure of the system?

Do the current spiritual elders in your life continue to point you to Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit for your questions and instruction? Do your human ‘guides’ continue to tell you to “ask the Holy Spirit” or consult with “Jesus” for your daily challenges you are facing? Are they encouraging you to read the scriptures and search out His advice … for yourself? Have they taught you to pray and converse with the Holy Spirit and what that is supposed to look like?

What is this issue at the core? Idol worship. There is only ONE Father, ONE Christ, ONE Holy Spirit. There is a GREAT temptation presented to humans to ‘sit on the throne’ only reserved for One. What do I mean? To ‘take’ or ‘assume’ some of God’s authority for …yourself. Jesus addresses this temptation and practice in the preceding verses when He says…

They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. Matthew 23:5-7

Jesus says they preach but do not practice what they ‘teach’. That’s the definition of …hypocrisy. We see LOTS of examples today of this human iniquity. So be careful …and keep ONLY God on the throne of your heart and soul and mind. Treat EVERYONE with respect (for they were made in HIS image), and honor those who deserve honor. In the ‘family’ of God they are ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’ in Christ, no matter what position in the Body they have. (Reread 1 Corinthians 12:12-31)

These things should not be ignored or treated lightly for these titles can cause great temptation and harm if utilized by the enemy in and through ‘weak’ individuals. Be careful of your heart wanting these titles. Or using these titles to manipulate others for your own purposes.

This brother prays for the true ekklesia to arise and become the bride beautifully dressed for her Husband eagerly awaiting His arrival. I wish when the term or title ‘Church’ was used, instead of the immediate thoughts being of a four-walled building and a religious ‘service’ taking place, that the user of the word “Church” would mean and picture the ‘joyful fellowship’ around a family dinner table, filled with brothers and sisters. Church ISN’T a ‘thing’ – it’s His family.

Now go speak with your Abba. He eagerly awaits you.