I watched a documentary about the Jonestown massacre last night. I’m old enough to remember when it happened. It’s a tragedy that still doesn’t make sense to this day. 909 people dead, plus several news reporters and a congressman.
It’s a testament to what can happen when people stop believing in God and start believing in the person leading them down their version of a godly path.
The lesson of Jonestown is being grounded in the Bible, and knowing that there is only one person “higher” than you, and that’s God.
We must always keep our guard up against putting a religious figure on a pedestal. I’ve seen pastors of mega-churches become rock stars, and soon they lose their focus on God, and start believing they’re above everyone else.
Pastors are people. They’re just like the rest of us. They have faults, and they sin. They struggle with life’s daily problems from family issues to how to budget their money.
Good pastors are grounded in the Word, and have a personal relationship with Christ. They are humble, because they know their job is important, and if they do it wrong then people are led astray.
The only difference between you and your pastor is that he’s able to immerse himself in a life of following Christ. Where as the rest of us have to work a full time job while we follow Christ. It doesn’t make us any less valuable to God; we just don’t have people coming to us every day for spiritual guidance.
Don’t ever think your pastor is above anyone else. Gauge what they say based on how it lines up with the Bible, and the teachings of Jesus.
As long as you have a personal relationship with Christ and take time each day to be in the Word, and follow the teachings of Jesus, you’re a pastor too, because the people around you will see Christ living through you. And that’s your daily sermon.
“God, I pray for the families of those still here dealing with the tragic loss of their loved ones 30 years ago in Jonestown. Give us the wisdom to know that it is only You who is worth following, and no mortal. Amen.”
1 comment:
So I confess. I was listening to Catholic radio yesterday. I've been trying to understand what makes it tick. Why do people follow mindless religious teachings of any faith?
I think I stumbled on to something and it's not Koolaid or Ryder trucks. It has to be the coffee they promote: Mystic Monk Coffee with Beautiful Gregorian Chants. Beware of the man behind the curtain.
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