Don’t Preach Yourself

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.” — 2 Corinthians 4:5 KJV

How many times have you heard a pastor preach and keep boasting about himself? Such preachers keep using the word “I” in statements like “I’ve been doing this or that …”. And sometimes, it affects the thinking pattern of the congregation. That’s why nowadays, people are more committed to following pastors than Jesus. And this also shows why too many Christians get deceived and hardly realise it.

Paul said something profound in 2 Corinthians 4:5 to deal with this issue. He says, “for we preach not ourselves …” Paul knew there was a potential for people to idolise him in the faith because of how knowledgeable he was in Christ. It happened to him and Barnabas in Lystra (Acts 14:8-13). And if you don’t take care as a pastor, It can happen to you too.

Man of God, let me tell you something. God didn’t call you to preach yourself. He didn’t ordain you to teach anything contrary to His Word, including personal ones. Study the Bible, and preach the Word, in and out of season. By doing that, you’ll prevent many people listening to you from becoming you-focused to Christ-focused. Take this warning seriously: “Don’t preach yourself.”

You’re a blessing.

Prayer

Father, in Jesus’ name, lead me to turn everything I do and preach in ministry unto You. Guide me to uphold Christ in all my ways, especially as a shepherd in Your house. Amen!

Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 126