THE PREACHER OF TITLE
“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.”
I have observed some repulsive and disgusting behavior in my time, but none is as revolting as the preacher who fancies himself important because of station or position. Some men are intoxicated with their title. They think themselves infallible because they hold an infallible Book. I have witnessed these men as they prance back and forth across the platform like trained show-horses.
[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]There is no behavior more disgusting and revolting than the preacher who fancies himself important because of station, position or title.[/perfectpullquote]
These preachers are the same when out of the pulpit. They must tell all in the group just where to sit. They seek the chief seat at the table, and they cannot be ignored because of their domineering demeanor and voice. Their vanity and insecurity drives them to dominate every conversation and to answer every discussion before it has left the lips of another. A show of true wisdom would be for them to sit still and be quiet.
The great preacher, Charles G. Finney could identify these pretenders, and he gave advice that preaches and evangelist would do well to heed. Don’t kid yourself; people with discernment can see the vanity.
Finney said, “Take heed that you be not vain. Vanity is a besetting sin of many persons. And scarcely any thing is more disgusting or wicked than vanity in a minister. And it is wonderful to witness the extent to which even ministers sometimes indulge vanity. Their affected pronunciation–their mincing–their gestures–their attitudes–and the whole costume of their services and pulpit address, as well as their manners and habits out of the pulpit, testify to their insufferable vanity. Their egotism and constant efforts in seeking adulation and flattery, in angling for compliments upon their services and talents, all conspire to render them odious and ridiculous in the estimation of thinking men, and of God.” Charles G. Finney.
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.