We live in the era of the celebrity preacher. The phenomenon is not new, similar issues existed in Paul’s day, which became a source of division in the early Church (1 Corinthians 1:10-16).
The ruckus depicted by the apostle, seems to have come from the believers rather then the preachers themselves. Different groups thought their favourite minister was better than the other (1 Corinthians 3:1-5). This put them at odds which each other.
Sadly, some ministers encourage this kind of behaviour, and even go as far as teaching things that are contrary to scripture just to draw and keep a crowd. Paul addressed this with the church in Ephesus. He talked about those causing trouble from within (Acts 20:29-31). The church has always hostility from those outside the faith, but it is those within that can cause the most damage.
The bottom line is, if identifying with your preferred preacher becomes more important than the truth, there is a big problem. This is the reason why some people crash and burn when their favourite preacher messes up. We really need to check ourselves.
Though we ought to honour those in Christian leadership, we must never forget that they are but vessels and not God. There is no one bigger than Christ in His Church (Colossians 1:18). Your ultimate loyalty belongs to Him (2 Corinthians 5:15).
Remain strong in the Lord and have a great week.
