The Sunday morning sermons of a particular pastor are carried the following week on a TV station within our present area. We are, on occasion, among his viewers. Despite an obviously small congregation and his own rather limited oratory skills (a near "white ebonics" at times), experience seems to have taught him considerable.
In expounding one Sunday on the Good Samaritan, special emphasis was placed on the priest and Levite whose waiting religious duties precluded their assisting the man in need. At this juncture, it was pointedly observed that some preachers are "so wrapped up in their ministry that they lose sight of their mission" - spiritual leadership thus becoming more a means to personal ends than role of servanthood. The Queen's English may have been somewhat ill used, but the concept was clearly enunciated.
Paul addressed this point in writing the Philippian church. He was, he stated, sending Timothy to encourage and assist them for the simple reason that Timothy was the only one then available who "will genuinely be concerned for your welfare" as opposed to viewing them a means to personal ends and objective (Phil. 2:19-21).
It is a point to ponder for all in Christian service.
Burl Ratzsch
