September 12, 2024
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Colossians 1:15–16, 18
IN MANY CHURCHES, Christians tend to get so caught up in a success-and-size race that the primary calling of following Jesus gets lost in the journey.
IN MANY CHURCHES, Christians tend to get so caught up in a success-and-size
race that the primary calling of following Jesus gets lost in the journey.
We have skidded into a pattern where the "haves"—the most influential or
financially successful individuals in life—and not the "have-nots" call the
shots. Truth be told, it is difficult to follow when you're used to being
out front leading the pack.
Maybe I need to clarify what I mean. In the body of Christ, there is one
and only one Head. Christ Jesus is Lord. Take a moment to reflect on these
magnificent words:
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before
anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God
created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. . . . Christ is
also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead.
COLOSSIANS 1:15–16, 18
No human being dare take that position. A man named Diotrephes, mentioned
in 3 John 1:9–10, attempted to do so and was openly rebuked by the apostle.
Diotrephes's account is a warning to anyone who desires to become the
"church boss."
It may be a board member, a pastor, a teacher, a musician, or a former
officer or former pastor in a church. No matter who, the Diotrephes
mentality has no place in the church. Diotrephes wanted to be first. But
that place is already taken in the body of Christ—and in the home and in
the marriage and anywhere else where Christ is named and ordained to be the
rightful leader. Only Christ is the Head. All the rest of us are in the
class Jesus modeled: followers.
I urge you to bow before the Lord and ask Him to examine the attitude of
your heart today, especially if you're in a place of leadership within your
local church or ministry. Be willing to admit your secret ambition to be
first and then humbly surrender to the authority of Christ. Trust me:
everyone among whom you serve will be grateful for your change of heart.