The Warning

Jesus warned his followers not to become become like some religious leaders of his day. Be servants, live a simple lifestyle. Practice what you preach. The disciples did not have much so they really could not go around dressed up in fancy religious robes to show people how important they are. Don't always be looking to be center stage. Don't be putting heavy burdens upon people and not being compassionate enough to lift some of it.

Well what happened? We got the Vatican. Maybe Jesus saw it coming. Read the history of the popes. Wow! These were the hypocrites. Even now I think it is a pretty good warning for church leaders, including me. We can dress up in fancy religious garb, take places of honor, enjoy special titles, lay burdens upon others that we do not carry ourselves, and obfuscate the Gospel for searchers. How am I living as a public figure in the church?