Don’t Overestimate Me!
Today’s reading (2 Corinthians 12) highlights why I’m concerned about the blogging, twittering, pastor conference, book writing culture we have in the American church world today. Paul, the author, says that it’s very important that no one think more highly of him than is warranted. Therefore, he explains, he will only boast about his weaknesses and failings, to make sure no one overestimates him or his ministry.
It seems to me that there is a lot of sharing of strengths and successes by pastors today that, whether intentional or unintentional, leads others to overestimate our ministries. (And yes, I fear that I am sometimes a part of that.)
And, if I understand this chapter, it’s more than just the fact that that’s wrong. It’s also dangerous because it depletes our power for ministry. Why? Because God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. So when we’re humble, we receive God’s grace and operate our ministry out of His strength. But when we’re proud and boast, we actually have God working against us.
Ummmmm, yikes!