What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Nu trebuie să fie înălțați oamenii. Lăudarea și măgulirea slujitorilor lui Hristos este neplăcută lui Dumnezeu."
Answer
Praising and flattering ministers is a dangerous practice that displeases God and aids Satan in his work of ruining souls. Such exaltation often leads to the spiritual downfall of the person being praised, as human beings easily lose their balance when self is elevated. Instead of focusing on the human instrument, believers should exalt God and appreciate the truths spoken rather than the person speaking them.
The Danger of Exalting Human Instruments
I lift my voice of warning against praising or flattering the ministers. I have seen the evil, the dreadful evil, of this. Never, never speak a word in praise of ministers to their faces. Exalt God. Ever respect a faithful minister, realize his burdens and lighten them if you can; but do not flatter him, for Satan stands ready at his watchtower to do that kind of work himself.
I would warn my brethren and sisters never to flatter persons because of their ability, for they cannot bear it. Self is easily exalted, and, in consequence, persons lose their balance. I say again to my brethren and sisters: If you would have your souls clean from the blood of all men, never flatter, never praise the efforts of poor mortals; for it may prove their ruin.
Our people are making very dangerous mistakes. We cannot praise and flatter any man without doing him a great wrong; those who do this will meet with serious disappointment. They trust too fully to finite man and not enough to God, who never errs. ... There is among us as a people an idolatry of human instrumentalities and mere human talent, and these even of a superficial character.
I am pained when I see men praised, flattered, and petted. God has revealed to me the fact that some who receive these attentions are unworthy to take His name upon their lips; yet they are exalted to heaven in the estimation of finite beings, who read only from outward appearance.
And while Christians should esteem the faithful minister as Christ's ambassador, they should avoid all praise of the man.
The truths that the servants of God bring are to be accepted and appreciated in the meekness of humility, but no minister is to be idolized.
🔍 Related Searches
- danger of flattery
- exaltation of ministers
- spiritual pride and praise
Original Sources (English)
Loading...
