But as for you, do not be called Rabbi; for only One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. And do not call anyone on earth your father; for only One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ.
Matthew 23:8-10 NASB2020
Isn’t it funny how social media caters to the corrupt nature’s desire to put people on a pedestal? Instead of exalting God, we exalt ourselves and others to satisfy our misguided attempts for validation and belonging.
For every good thing found in a relationship with Christ, the devil offers an enslaving alternative through worldly means. What’s worse is that blind religious guides want people to follow them instead of Christ to satisfy their greed. This was true in Jesus’ day and remains true in ours. There are hypocrites leading people astray in droves because they know the Law but they don’t know Jesus.
Practice discernment. Are people preaching adherence to the Law? Are they preaching duty and obligation or using guilt and shame to manipulate their audience? Are they telling you what you want to hear instead of what you need to hear?
Here is the truth: there is only one Leader, one Father, one Teacher, that is the Christ. The Spirit of Christ is alive, living and active. Our goal as makers of disciples is that they learn from the Holy Spirit directly how to walk in unity with God.
I can only share what I have learned and experienced. As I hear from other followers of Christ, they add more nuanced perspectives. None of us has the whole picture. That is why we follow Jesus. That is why we need to be united in Christ, led by the Holy Spirit.
There is only One who can save you. There is only One who was crucified for you. There is only One who can raise you from the dead. Seek Him first in all things. Look for confirmation from others who are practicing the faith.
Beware of false prophets. Beware of false teachers. Many are deceived and are deceiving many. The Holy Spirit exalts Jesus Christ as Lord. The flesh exalts flesh. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. Only those who have truly died to themselves and crucified the lusts of their flesh will live.
Father in Heaven, give us wisdom and discernment so that we may know the truth from a lie. Reveal to us where we have been in error so that we can repent. Give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we may grow fully mature in Christ. Protect us from evil. In the Name of Jesus we pray these things. Amen.
But the greatest of you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.
Matthew 23:11-12 NASB2020