The Perils of Perceived Veneration | Galatians 2:9-10

And when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. — Galatians 2:9-10

CALL OUT: Call out today to Jim from Dayton, IA, a friend of Steve Pinkley, the Director at Hidden Acres Camp. I was pumped to hear you shared your testimony, and you mentioned "All In" numerous times.

The three men mentioned are the inner circle of Jesus. Paul calls them those "who seemed to be pillars," which sounds a little derogatory even though Paul never contested it. We have to assume there was a slight veneration of these men, given the time they spent with Jesus and how others perceived them.

Paul was sensitive to this type of public veneration. In Galatians 5, he states:

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. — Galatians 5:25-26

Paul understood that veneration of any kind, real or perceived, could lead believers to spiritual missteps. Elevating a leader has the potential to instigate arrogance and jealousy, which can persuade a spiritual leader to get out of step with the Spirit and have an unintended effect on followers.

But this meeting was not about the decision of a triad of venerated individuals deciding for Paul and Barnabas. Paul does not want this meeting to be perceived that way. Instead, this meeting was a debate about the true nature of the Gospel as declared by Jesus, which, in my opinion, the triad (including Peter) was representing wrongly, and Paul and Barnabas represented rightly.

Again, perceptions are powerful. What we think about ourselves and what others think about us have the power to direct or misdirect. Spiritual leaders are responsible for stewarding this by doing two things well—remaining in step with the Spirit and directing all glory to God.

Remember, when others stand you on a pillar, say to yourself: It ain't about me. It's all about He.

#SpiritualLeadership #HumilityInLeadership #GalatiansInsights #InnerCircleFaith #GloryToGod

ASK THIS:

1. How can we ensure that our admiration for spiritual leaders remains grounded in humility and does not lead to idolization or division within the community?
2. In what ways can we actively redirect any praise or recognition we receive towards God, acknowledging that all glory ultimately belongs to Him?

DO THIS: Say this one time today: It ain't about me. It's all about He.

PRAY THIS: Father, help me to walk in humility, recognizing that any leadership role I may have is a gift from You and an opportunity to serve others. May Your Spirit guide me to always direct glory back to You, keeping my focus on Your will and Your kingdom. Amen.

PLAY THIS: I Speak Jesus.