Basking In The Limelight

[Michael37]

Limelight - Wikipedia

It's not necessarily wrong for ekklesia members in public ministry to bask in the limelight that goes with the roles they are called to. I think for some exhibiting and showcasing their giftings comes easily, and they enjoy having an audience. An acknowledged following and a constant source of validation and recognition is a perk that provides incentive for those who have the demanding task of keeping communities together, and solvent.

I remember a few decades back being in what was billed as an International Leadership Conference, conceived and hosted by a very charismatic AOG Senior Pastor, who at times in my estimate, didn't just bask in the limelight but reveled in his success, having fathered six children, most of whom were in some form of ministry, being an accomplished pianist and singer, been the denominational National Superintendent, became an author, and was also the well-known host of a weekly half-hour radio show called "Moment Of Truth".

His pearl of wisdom for aspiring leaders was to keep what worked well and dispense with things that didn't.

Yeah, well the limelight tends to diminish when things don't go well!!! 

Comments and testimonies about seeking or avoiding the limelight welcome:

[Sower]

8 minutes ago, Michael37 said:

Comments and testimonies about seeking or avoiding the limelight welcome:

I reckon I'm no different than anyone else when it comes to enjoying a friendly pat on the back for something I did. In my trade, craft, I installed custom made residential/commercial cabinetry. I was blessed having been given the talents at my carpentry abilities. Upon finishing installing a houseful of custom cabinets trimmed out with crown moldings the customers finally behold their anticipated dream that finally appear in person (on site), and words of thanks and praise would always follow.

Even a monkey learns from repetition, and after installing our first hundred cabinets my crew and I had been blessed with the experience to do quality work. My point in all this is at my job for so many years I received a lot of 'pat on the backs' with thanks and praise every week or even daily and know how blessed I have been to have received it. So many people work a lot harder and with much more experience at what they do and yet rarely receive thanks or commendations due to what their job entails.

Don't know about limelight but the word of mouth recommendations from clients (and God) helped established my business.

When I get a little big headed (pride) my faithful spirit also taps me on the shoulder.
    Reminding me of some scriptures that I have hid in my heart.              ( Take heed lest you fall! )

                  
                "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up"

                   "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall"

                            "Every good and perfect gift is from above,
                 coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,
                     who does not change like shifting shadows"

 To be a good steward of all my time and talents the Lord has blessed me with to use to his glory. 

            Hoping to hear some day, 'Well done, good and faithful servant;

                   "For we are God’s handiwork,
          created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
        which God prepared in advance for us to do"

           The normal Christian walk..

Thanks Michael. ( hope this was at least close to what you seek:)
 

 

[Dennis1209]

I was unaware of the history, phrase, or where the limelight originated. An old dog like me learns something new daily and forgets three.

I aim to please Christ and secretly receive heavenly rewards, and I desire something meaningful and eternal. However, it can sometimes be discouraging when few recognize your efforts and time.

A positive word now and then motivates and encourages me even more, letting me know my time and efforts are not wasted.

Quid pro quo, Michael, you floated the question, what say you?

[Neighbor]

11 hours ago, Michael37 said:

It's not necessarily wrong for ekklesia members in public ministry to bask in the limelight that goes with the roles they are called to.

Hmm,

I think of words of my boss and pastor of some years, who after receiving  praise for his talk/sermon by an attendee said as reminder to himself more than for me to hear as we walked down the hallway. "That comes straight from Satan, that I not be humbly giving all glory to God but  instead be grabbing some for myself. I do so hate that challenge"

After hearing that one I never said a favorable word after he spoke a "sermon" less I tempt his heart and hurt his ministering of the word of God.

[missmuffet]

Doesn't pride come into this? Perhaps even being rich with fame and fortune and having power.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before ^[a]a fall.

James 4:3

You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

Jesus did not seek glory for Himself.

 

 

 

[Michael37]

4 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

A positive word now and then motivates and encourages me even more, letting me know my time and efforts are not wasted.

Quid pro quo, Michael, you floated the question, what say you?

Yes, it is good to get affirmation, and we have a raft of Scriptures that help with that when it isn't forthcoming from our fellows.

However, when a meeting is stage-managed to elevate those up front to celebrity status, the preaching is geared to generate a laugh a minute, and frequent applause is obviously being sought, I have to ask what's going on.

In some denominations this style of meeting is generic, being what leaders are selected and trained to do. I have heard it proclaimed from the pulpit that this charismatic contrast with episcopalian processional, polish, and pageantry is deliberate, and of course those who lead the latter are also trained and scrutinised to adhere to form. The perks of being clergy or in public leadership can become a trap and a snare, but praise the Lord when those perks are not coveted by ministers of Christ.

Now here's a verse to ponder:

Jer 5:30-31  A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land.  (31)  The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?

[missmuffet]

The Sadducees in the NT wanted fame and fortune. They were rude,arrogant,power hungry and

quick to dispute those who disagreed with them.

They ceased to exist in AD 70, when Jerusalem and the temple were

destroyed by Rome.

[nebula]

17 hours ago, Michael37 said:

Limelight - Wikipedia

Thank you for the education on the term!

 

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It's not necessarily wrong for ekklesia members in public ministry to bask in the limelight that goes with the roles they are called to. I think for some exhibiting and showcasing their giftings comes easily, and they enjoy having an audience.

Depends on what you mean by "basking in the limelight." Pride and self-seeking glory *are* wrong.

 

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An acknowledged following and a constant source of validation and recognition is a perk....

Well, this statement makes it sound like the person has wounded spirit and is looking to the praise of man for his security and inspiration.

[Michael37]

3 hours ago, nebula said:

Well, this statement makes it sound like the person has wounded spirit and is looking to the praise of man for his security and inspiration.

If not looking for it, accustomed to it. 

3Jn 1:9  I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.