There are ministries that are doing quite amazing work for the sake of God’s Kingdom and Glory. There are ministries that pour God’s Word into believers, changing lives and building up people’s faith. Sadly, however, there are ministries that focus on the life, achievement, voice, and methods of the one who is called their leader. In ministries like this, it is almost impossible for the Body of Christ to grow.

There is only one King of Kings; only one that is worthy of all praise and worship. If at any moment we have in mind that the vision God has given us is for our own glory, we are way off. Carrying out anything that He has called us to do must be completely based upon Him as lead, rather than upon ourselves as able. Truth is … we won’t live forever down here, but His work will be completed even without our hands. Think about David and Solomon; think about Billy Graham; think about E.V. Hill. Though their hands stopped … God’s hands did not!

At the time when the things in the book of Colossians were happening, there had been a mixture of paganism (individualism; being one’s own authority), legalism (dependence on moral law rather than personal faith), and mysticism (chasing emotional highs over Biblical truth). These behaviors/practices suggested Christ was not sufficient for salvation and spiritual growth. Paul, however, emphasized that our completion was in Christ and that no other rules or visions were needed.

How do you see yourself unintentionally relying on ‘rules’ or ‘new visions’ today rather than resting in the finished work and sufficiency of Christ?

Colossians 2:18 – “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.”

God’s word clearly warns all of us against acting as a judge or ridiculer of someone’s faith. His word condemns false humility that is lived out in the open to impress people and gain their praise. His word reminds us that, though His angels are used to protect and serve us, we are never to worship them as if they were part of the Trinity. His word reminds us that, though our visions may be true, using them to bring us to a place of power and glory is wrong. His Word is clearly reminding us that there is only one Head of the Body of Christ. Oh wait!!! Whose body are we??

How can you distinguish between a leader who is sharing a God-given vision for His glory and one who is using a vision to build their own platform? Does their vision lead to a deeper dependence on Scripture, or a deeper dependence on their next sermon/revelation?

The Body of Christ will only grow from God’s hand and power, not from the hand or power of man. We’ve got to keep our minds and hearts stayed on Him!

Father, I ask that you help your children to keep our eyes upon You. Humble the hearts of our leaders. Take charge of their thoughts. Remind them that it is Your will and not their own. Remind our leaders that it is Your vision and not their own. The Body of Christ is only caused to grow by You. Help us to care for and help each other rather than lord ourselves over each other. Amen