I just read an article by Paul Rahe on ricochet.com entitled The Vanity Of The Intellectuals. In It he says
“Intellectuals have a tendency to become whores. They are not especially well paid, and they resent the fact. But modest compensation is not the thing that bothers them the most. What they really crave is recognition, and in its pursuit they are apt to become slaves to fashion.”I was thinking about Balaam this morning and about his feeling that he could get God to do what he wanted so he could be rich and looked up to by the neighboring countries.
Preachers have that same problem. We are generally underpaid and overworked, and occupy a niche in society that is not always appreciated. We feel we are doing good work and for the most part we are.
But sometimes preachers crave more. They begin to crave recognition and appreciation. In fact, they really appreciate that more than the money. The money, of course, I good and it is good to get paid enough to do what you want.
But above all is the desire for appreciation.
In Matthew 25:21, Jesus tells of the master saying to his servant, His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ That is what most preachers want: the accolades of the God they serve.
The problem comes, though, in those who desire more. They are like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day who pray on the street corners in full view of everyone so that all can see their devotion. They crave public acceptance.
And when they do, they become whores. It is no wonder that it is not long before they fall. You cannot build a good foundation on your own egocentric cravings.
That doesn’t mean you go out of your way (the other reaction) to make people not like you thinking that this means you are holy. 1 Peter 3:17 says, For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. In other words, don’t be obnoxious just in order to be persecuted.
At the same time, don’t cozy up to the world to be appreciated.
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