There are a lot of temptations for pastors, one of which, because of our public role, is to think of ourselves more highly than we should. And in so doing, we can develop a tendency to depreciate those who are under our leadership. This can be manifested in a number of ways. Our messages can be occasions where we talk down to people. We can berate people about particular sins, though our own sins are just as heinous. We can assume a know-it-all attitude. We can conduct meetings in such a way that we take advantage of people or make light of their thoughts or suggestions. We can make public, veiled references to people. And we can use humor about our members from the pulpit at their emotional expense.
— Curtis Thomas, Pastor und Buchautor
Topics: Humility & Pride, Church & Congregation, Temptation & Struggle
Occasions: For Reflection
Curtis Thomas
Curtis Thomas ist ein US-amerikanischer evangelikal-reformierter Pastor und Autor, der über vier Jahrzehnte im pastoralen Dienst stand, insbesondere in Arkansas. Bekanntheit erlangte er vor allem als Mitverfasser des Buches „The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended, Documented“, einer systematischen Darlegung der reformierten Heilslehre. Für Bibelleser bietet seine Arbeit eine kompakte, stark an Belegstellen orientierte Zusammenfassung calvinistischer Theologie und reformierter Gemeindepraxis.
All quotes by Curtis Thomas (24)
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
C.S. Lewis
Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.
Philip Yancey
It is better to be a patient of Christ than a doctor of theology.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
There is a God, and I'm not him.
John Mark Comer
Humility is so shy. If you begin talking about it, it leaves.
Tim Keller
God loves to use people whom others believe are unqualified.
Craig Groeschel
I am just a small cable - God is the current.
Mother Teresa
Humility is the ability to look up even to the smallest things in life.
Albert Schweitzer