Seeing stories of people who have fallen and been restored, and hearing advice about how not to make the same choices they made, has been on my mind lately. I’ve been seeing people fall into sin and temptation, and the way others have started trolling them is bizarre.
Part of me wants to shut off my social media, but then I think about the friends whose lives I get to follow and the memories that come back when I see their updates.
I’m saying this cautiously because I believe anyone can be tempted. This is not something we should mock or approach with an attitude of, “If I were in their situation, I would never do that.” We are not above temptation.
But looking closely at some of the ministries, I’ve noticed a pattern of self-elevation. Making themselves look wise, accomplished, or like someone who has achieved something significant in life. Somewhere along the way, they became hungry for the attention they were receiving. They started boasting about their success rather than Christ
I’ve also noticed a trend of preachers bringing messages about modifying behavior, incorporating psychology into the pulpit, and encouraging people to pursue a better life. I understand the heart behind ministries that genuinely want people to live healthy and happy lives. They prepare their messages, come up with inspiring and encouraging talks, and keep performing. Then they take some time off so they can come back with something new. It feels exhausting.
I’ve seen people come onto the stage and bleed their wounds about how difficult it is to lead people and serve them. I get it. Ministry is not easy. But can we talk about Christ? Can we tell people about His goodness and promises, something that can actually make a difference in their lives? Can we take the attention away from ourselves so that we don’t have to keep struggling to maintain the image of a celebrity preacher who is constantly talking about how difficult life and ministry have become?
This has become a life lesson for me. I have sobbed and prayed that I would become someone who knows nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Someone who does not boast in the flesh but in Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
I know our stories matter, but His story is the most important one, and we are simply a part of it.
Stop giving yourself glory. Stop trying to present yourself as someone who is more loving, more disciplined, or someone who has all the answers. Instead, let people encounter Christ through you. Let their eyes remain fixed on Him.
Some people have read more about CEOs and entrepreneurs than they have read the Bible. Now, please don’t get me wrong. I enjoy reading about people with different perspectives and learning about leadership skills. But when your goal becomes growing your influence and increasing the number of people who follow you, you eventually have to come up with something entertaining. And it works.
But when you start with performance, you eventually have to sustain it through your own strength.
Has the repetitive story of the Gospel somehow become too familiar to us? Or have we failed to understand the profound message it carries?
One of my favorite preachers, someone I genuinely look up to, has always pointed me toward Christ. Every time I hear him preach, no matter where he begins his sermon, he somehow brings it back to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
And oh man, doesn’t it burn our hearts?
The Gospel doesn’t need fancy words or flashing lights. It carries a power of its own. It is meant to be preached and lived.
Let’s get back to the simple Gospel. Let’s make our goal the exaltation of Christ and Christ alone.
If you see someone you admire fall into sin, pray and sob for their restoration. But ultimately, keep looking to Christ. Let people keep their eyes on the prize, which is Christ Himself.
Galatians 6:14: But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.