The Problem Of Swaggering

[Tristen]

I would suggest that those feeling "diminished" have an opportunity to learn to trust that God orders their footsteps.

I was once a member of a congregation where the bigger personalities received all the attention from leadership, and those with smaller personalities were not seen for their potential. However, the time did come when all the bigger personalities had disappeared - and there was little choice but to notice the few of us who had remained loyal and continued getting on with the work.

The extrovert bias of the world sometimes infects the church. Nevertheless, God sees your faithfulness (even when nobody else notices).

Therefore, let Jesus look after His own church, and we each learn to work out our own salvations.

 

[In the Clouds]

I am tempted to name names of "heavy weights" who offend me because of their becoming more focused on self than our Lord.  But, it serves no purpose and goes against what God is doing with them.  I can pray for their relationship and purpose in the Lord's plan.  I am not accountable for them.  And I have my own accountability and relationship with God.  Let God and let go. Amen.

[Neighbor]

All things work together for good for those that believe on the Lord. Each saint has a talent or two or three, but each does not have the same gifts of the Holy Spirit. Some are leaders and for good reason,  to serve God's good purpose. Some are not leaders, but can be used substantially towards the ends God wills to be tended or served. 

Much gets done if, as Ronald Reagan used to share,  one does not worry about who gets credit. 

 

[Michael37]

15 hours ago, Ray12614 said:

Hi Michael: I honestly don't know what swaggering is, and although I could go to dictionary, I might miss the European cultural meaning so could you forgive my lack of understanding and explain?  I am sure it is simple since you didn't elaborate, but, just want to be sure I understand correctly.

Thanks!

[Sower]

16 hours ago, Michael37 said:

Therefore, rather than focus on a swaggering Head Deacon and be drawn into a demonically staged controversy, the joy of being in the body of Christ, which God has "tempered together" (1 Cor 12:24), should be maintained, along with the other aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit. 

              I think you hit the nail on the head, Michael.

   "Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up"      (When God handles it, it's way more cool)
 

[Michael37]

5 hours ago, missmuffet said:

It is not biblical. Swagger is to walk in an arrogant way or be aggressive.

[missmuffet]

13 hours ago, Michael37 said:

Being humble is good and that is what God calls us to be.

[Neighbor]

On 9/30/2024 at 7:04 AM, Michael37 said:

The swaggering church member may be very busy in the flock, have a lot of responsibility, and be a named leader with authority to be in charge of various aspects of organisation and administration.

Hi,  I read of individuals that have this and that against leaders; but in truth I have never seen a swaggering leader. Fact  I have never seen a lone leader of any kind. I have been with teams of elders, and teams of deacons, and teams of deaconesses; all who are busy about the work of the local body of Christ Jesus. None have ever had time for swagger nor any interest in  strutting; instead all have been most humble, wanting no adulation nor recognition whatsoever.

The teams I have been with and around prefer not to let their own left hand know what their right hand is doing, and just get done what the Holy Spirit leads the teams into doing for the glory of our Lord alone.

[Cyoder]

I've never experienced this at Church, but I've seen it many times.  I think the behavior is the same.  The person who is arrogant, loud and tells you how great they are can rarely back it up with actions.  I always look at the fruits. I've witnessed this at many competitions.  The quiet humble person with great focus is the one I watch.  If you are good at something, others will tell you.  You won't have to tell them.  I didn't compete for others, I did it for me.  Worshipping God should be the same.  Matthew 6:6 - But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

[Michael37]

6 hours ago, Neighbor said:

 I read of individuals that have this and that against leaders;

Me too.

Jud 1:4  For certain men crept in secretly, those having been of old previously written into this condemnation, ungodly ones perverting the grace of our God for unbridled lust, and denying the only Master, God, even our Lord Jesus Christ.