We come to think worldly spotlights and platforms make us happy. But this craving for attention is the opposite of what we’re called to be.
By Jamie Dew
In the best version of ourselves, we are servants: humble, kind, unassuming, and eager to serve God and people. In the worst version of ourselves, however, we are like peacocks. None of us intend to become peacocks, at least I pray we don’t. But ministry has the ability, if we aren’t careful, to bring out the peacock in all of us.
The peacock is a midsize bird adorned with feathers, which make him appear much bigger and more impressive than he actually is. This bird will stretch its feathers out as wide as possible, strut in front of other animals, and pretend to be large and intimidating.
I’ve learned over years of ministry that some preachers and ministers do the same thing. They name-drop, mention the big events where they speak, and strut around with their entourage. They seem more impressive than they actually are.
“We tend to lose sight of the fact that our greatest joy is found in humble obedience to Jesus.” — @JamieKDew Share on XWe tend to lose sight of the fact that our greatest joy is found in humble obedience to Jesus. And we somehow come to think worldly spotlights and platforms will make us happy and fulfilled. I’ve seen this happen in many people over the years, but I have seen this behavior most often in myself. This craving for attention is the opposite of what we are called to be. And it cannot possibly satisfy our souls. Only humble obedience to Christ will lead us to satisfaction. Somehow, some way, we must kill that peacock inside us all.
Tendency toward pride
We know God alone can satisfy the greatest longings of our souls. We hear this over and over and even preach this truth regularly. Yet aspects of our ministries cause us to ignore this truth and live as if it weren’t true. Functionally, we reject the truth by seeking our satisfaction in things—like platforms, applause, and fame— that will only leave us dissatisfied and less like Christ.
Life in ministry is unique and multifaceted, and the people who give themselves to this life are as well. Ministers of the gospel answer God’s call to Christian service and in many cases leave behind career opportunities, significant money, and comfortable lives of leisure so they can serve Christ and His people. In one sense, they are selfless people who put God and others before themselves. Or, at least, most ministers start off that way. But as we all learn quickly, the wrong circumstances, coupled with a lack of spiritual diligence, can lead ministers of the gospel to become as prideful, self-centered, and glory-seeking as anyone on the planet. Let’s consider three factors that bring about this change.
1. Natural desire for affirmation
Since God made us communal beings, it is natural to want to be accepted by the people we love and to know that who we are and what we do are worth something. Yet this natural desire can become corrupted quickly so we are consumed by a craving for approval, attention, and affirmation. Once we add the unique circumstances of ministry to the mix, along with a lack of spiritual discipline, we will be heading in a dangerously wrong direction.
2. Toxic circumstances
Ministry often thrusts us into unique circumstances that, if left unaddressed, will be a perfect storm for our pride and ego. The rhythms and routines of ministry expose some of our greatest insecurities and feed our worst appetites. On one hand, pastors and ministers are often the focal points of criticisms and complaints. For many in ministry, no matter what they do or how much they give, they are the constant focus of criticism.
“Ministry often thrusts us into unique circumstances that, if left unaddressed, will be a perfect storm for our pride and ego.” — @JamieKDew Share on XIn addition to this, church members often resist the pastor’s leadership, especially if it requires any form of change. As a result, discouragement and frustration can dominate our minds, causing us to envy every other pastor who appears to serve in far greener pastures. These realities create dispositions and desires in us that will, if left to themselves, grow into destructive qualities.
However, the criticisms we receive and frustrations we face are only half of the toxic circumstances we confront. Pastors and ministers are also the focal points of affirmation, attention, and praise. While one group of people criticizes us constantly, another group lavishes praise on us. In addition, we are constantly on platforms, given kind introductions before we speak, and celebrated by those who love us. These experiences may seem to contradict those in the previous paragraph, but both sides of the coin are true. And together they create the perfect storm for our egos to grow and consume us.
The frustrations and envy created in us by criticism from one group lead to a craving for attention, affirmation, and appreciation. As that craving takes root, we begin to obsess over the attention and appreciation given to us by another group. The strange ministry combination of criticism and affirmation creates a toxic set of circumstances we must be vigilant to protect our hearts against.
3. Lack of spiritual discipline
Coupled with the natural desire for affirmation and the toxic circumstances created by criticism and praise, we often lack the spiritual discipline to keep our hearts in check. I have seen a familiar pattern take shape in far too many of us. When we come to faith in Jesus, we are broken by our sins and feel desperate for Him in every way. But over time, we begin to change.
What started out as a deeply personal and spiritual enterprise becomes academic and professional. In the process, we forget where our joy, power, and wisdom are found. All the spiritual disciplines begin to diminish. When this becomes true of us, we are in the most vulnerable position we could be in, ripe for all the wrong forces to shape us.
The result of forsaking servanthood
So here we are, a people who end up forsaking the servanthood we were called to, consumed by a deep desire to be known and esteemed. The unique mixture of criticism and praise, along with the lack of spiritual discipline to guard our attitudes and cultivate Christian virtues, causes us to become what we aren’t supposed to be.
“The strange ministry combination of criticism and affirmation creates a toxic set of circumstances we must be vigilant to protect our hearts against.” — @JamieKDew Share on XBefore we know it, and often without realizing it, we lose sight of the servants we are called to be and have become consumed with aspirations for platforms, applause, and bigger churches or ministry assignments. We didn’t start off this way, and we never meant for it to happen, but we have become self-consumed, serving the idol of our own name. We want others to make much of us. And we want to be celebrated. We want people to know what a big deal we are. In the end, we just want fame and greatness. All of this is the opposite of who Jesus Christ is and whom He called us to be.
For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.
This article is excerpted with permission from “Let This Mind Be in You” (B&H Publishing, 2023).
