It is good for Christians to examine their attitudes and behaviour in relation to this question of seeking honour and status. Whether it be at home, at work, or in the civil service, we need to ask ourselves whether we are clamouring for status and recognition, expecting other people to put us on a pedestal and pamper our fragile egos.
This question becomes particularly pertinent for church leaders. In some cultures, pastors are not highly regarded or respected, but in others, pastors are accorded high status. It is a matter of integrity for those of us who minister the gospel and shepherd God’s flock to follow Paul—and more particularly to follow Christ—by rejecting status-seeking behaviours and attitudes. Our personal security and sense of worth should come from our relationship with Christ, rather than from honour that might be accorded us by other human beings.
6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.