Flattering Ministers

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 30, 1911

Flattering Ministers

MANY forget that ministers of the gospel are still human, and as such are the prey of Satan’s temptations. In consequence of this forgetfulness, many ministers have been ruined by unwise confidences, and by false praise and flattery. Speaking of this danger to which preachers are subject, the editor of the Christian Advocate of March 16 says:—

Hardly anything outside the line of immorality has done more evil to ministers than flattery. A young man is told by an admiring hearer that he can preach as well as Spurgeon or Beecher or Simpson. If he believes it, he is already half ruined. When such flattery increases vanity, he may be good-humored and happy, but it is a happiness that can be overthrown in a few minutes when some unquestionably able critic points out gross infelicities or errors. If actual pride is created by excess of adulation, he may become so imperious as to threaten to leave the congregation if his whims are not fed, or his plans immediately adopted.

The editor advises young preachers to find comfort in their ministry, in the consciousness that they have been a source of strength and help to some poor, struggling souls. This, after all, is the only real encouragement that life affords. Praise and adulation may bring a momentary selfish pleasure; but the consciousness that, when the day is done, we have helped some one in life’s struggle, have made some lives purer, truer, and stronger through our influence, and that although unrecognized by our fellows, God has taken account of the spirit of love and faithfulness which prompted our service,—in this is sweet, abiding joy. This is true happiness, which comes as the result of unselfish Christian service.