I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:17-20
This week, we see that as Paul concludes his letter to the churches in Rome, he provides some explicit instructions for who we are to associate with, or align with, as we carry out our gospel ministry. He is careful to complement the obedience that the church has shown but is quick to warn them not to let their obedience be blind and allow them to be led down an improper path.
Paul touches on an accusation that gets thrown around a lot in our current church culture. The accusation is that a church or ministry leader is only out to benefit their pocketbook instead of being focused on glorifying God. This is a heavy accusation and often one that is difficult to back up. However, we see biblical evidence that we should be very wary if there is suspicion of one who seems to be out to raise themselves instead of being focused solely on the mission of spreading the gospel.
This is an idea that I deal with on a regular basis when I prepare to lead worship. I always want to be a way that people can worship Jesus without my personality flaws getting in the way. I also want to do my very best, not just for my own ego, but to give God the best that I have. It is sometimes a struggle for me, as I do not want to appear as one of those people who do things for my own gain, just as Paul warns. So, I try to be diligent in humbling myself any time my pride tries to enter my worship.
Be aware and avoid those Brothers and Sisters that seem to be about a different goal than you and mind your own heart and be careful not to become one of yourself.
Have a great week! ~Danny
