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I’m not talking about pastors who have officiated weddings of celebrities.

I’m actually referring to ministers who have risen to ‘rockstar’ status. It no longer has become about the gospel, or the kingdom but about themselves.

It’s their pictures on every brochure, name on every flyer and presence in every event. It has become all about them.
They walk around with assistants, ready to serve at their beck and call.
They’re first at every line, eat the best of the lechon (haha) and sit at every front seat.

Daniel Borstin tautologically defines it as “a person who is known for his well-knownness.”

In his book, “The Image“, he further describes the celebrity – “A sign of celebrity is that his name is often worth more than his services.”

I really hate to admit it but this is a real temptation and a potential trap.

But when I can feel the temptation coming down on me, there are a few questions I try to ask myself:

1. Whose example am I following?

Jesus came humbly and unannounced except to a few wise men and a bunch of shepherds. If that was me, I’d tweet, Facebook and call for a press conference.

But not Jesus…

He said, “That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served.” (Matthew 20:28, MSG)

Are we following the example of our common day rockstar or Jesus?

2. Who don’t I want opposing me?

Peter wrote, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

If there’s was one i DON’T want opposing me is God.

I’d rather have my friend, co-worker, even family opposing me… but not God.

3. Who am I trying to please?

Starting out with the intention to please God is easy. But staying in that route necessitates being deliberate. At a certain point, applause of men becomes more important than the applause of heaven.

Paul told the church in Galatia, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)

Just a few questions to help me remember…

What do you do when you’ve offended somebody?

The Bible tells us a story of what Abigail did on behalf of her family.

They offended King David.

This was their response.

1. HUMBLE YOURSELF.

“When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey.  She bowed down before David with her face to the ground.” (1 Samuel 25:23)

Humility is an internal decision that leads to outward action.

After Abigail humbled herself before David on behalf of her whole family, she takes responsibility.

In a society that likes to shift the blame (which we see everyday from our homes to the house of Representatives), taking responsibility for what we have done will do us well.

2. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.

Abigail fell at David’s feet.  She said:

“My lord, let the blame be on me alone. Please let your servant speak to you; hear what your servant has to say.” (1 Samuel 25:24.)

Humility is an internal decision that leads to outward action.

After Abigail humbled herself before David on behalf of her whole family, she takes responsibility.

In a society that likes to shift the blame (which we see everyday from our homes to the house of Representatives), taking responsibility for what we have done will do us well.

We begin to see the error in our ways.  We then understand that our actions have repercussions. And, we can do something to rectify so that we can move on.

3. ASK FORGIVENESS.

Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master, because he fights the LORD’s battles. Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live. (1 Samuel 25:28)

I’ve always thought it’s useless to be defensive.

If you’re wrong, no need to be defensive.  Why? Because you are wrong!

If you’re right, no need to be defensive. Why? Because ultimately, the truth will come out.  The truth will set you free.

Remember, it is the Lord who will vindicate.

“Being humble is not a matter of pretending to be worthless, but is a form of realism, not only regarding the real badness of one’s sins and stupidities and the real depth of one’s dependence on God’s grace, but also regarding the real range of one’s abilities. Humble believers know what they can and cannot do. They note both their gifts and their limitations, and so are able to avoid both the unfaithfulness of letting their God-given powers lie fallow and the foolhardiness of biting off more than they can chew.”

- J.I. Packer, A Passion for Faithfulness: Wisdom From the Book of Nehemiah