Jesus Wasn't A Rock Star

From the blog of a popular pastor:

"If my generation isn’t careful, we may fall into a Guitar Hero mentality toward ministry:
Everybody wants to be a rock star, but no one wants to learn the chords.

It’s hard work to study God’s Word. To pray for breakthrough. To do spiritual battle on behalf of those we lead. To charge forward in faith for the cause of Christ. To run a church with the highest standard of excellence."

I think this is a great insight into American Christian ministry, at least from my generation's perspective.

It is indeed a huge problem that many aspire to leadership without the dedication and diligence to study and love and learn God's Word. To pray. To love our enemies. To love our brethren when it's inconvenient.

However, I think an almost more important question that needs to be asked is: Why do we look at the position of a pastor as that of a "rock star?"

Jesus did not aspire to greatness. In fact, he "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped." He gave up the almighty glory of God to serve US! That's ridiculous! And that's the example we are to follow, even though that degree of humility is unattainable for us!

Yes, the lack of dedication and diligence in my generation is a problem, especially pertaining to the ministry. But more so than that is our aspiration to glory. Because that is depriving God of the glory he deserves.

I am saying this to myself as an aspiring minister and teacher of the Word as much as any other: No one should desire the minstry for the glory and fame it can provide.