Here's what I'm constantly pushing back against. It goes like this:
1. Some big-name evangelical celebrity, his platform large and secured, makes a pronouncement to the effect of, "If only SOMEONE would stand up and preach the pure Word and Gospel of God without compromise!"
1. Some big-name evangelical celebrity, his platform large and secured, makes a pronouncement to the effect of, "If only SOMEONE would stand up and preach the pure Word and Gospel of God without compromise!"
2. Idealistic young men hear this, and respond, "Me! I will do this! That's exactly what I want to do!" Which is good — as far as it goes.
3. But given who made the original statement, they mentally supply "...he will have a ministry as visible and fruitful and broad as mine..."
3. But given who made the original statement, they mentally supply "...he will have a ministry as visible and fruitful and broad as mine..."
4. ...when what he SHOULD have BEEN TOLD is "...he will join the ranks of tens of thousands who have done and are doing just that in utter anonymity, to stony and unresponsive audiences, and with the most meager, disappointing, and trying visible results."
5. Not properly prepared, the young man (w/all the best intentions in the world, as far as he knows) sallies forth to heed the Big Name's call.
6. He's crushed. He despairs. He blames himself. Perhaps he falls in some way.
7. The Big Name continues to be quoted, regardless.
6. He's crushed. He despairs. He blames himself. Perhaps he falls in some way.
7. The Big Name continues to be quoted, regardless.
Now I know there are a thousands of ways for Big Name fanboys to miss my point. Hopefully, some will take it to heart, and be forewarned, and helped.
Do it to please and glorify God—or seek other employment. Be content with God's glory. Be pleasantly surprised if more happens.
Do it to please and glorify God—or seek other employment. Be content with God's glory. Be pleasantly surprised if more happens.
