I came from the business world and in that world; I worked my way up from a societal drop out on the wrong end of a shovel to a position of prestige and power based upon producing. I could measure myself by tangible methods; highest sales, lucrative salaries, and the circle of associates used to consciously ‘climb the ladder’. I became good at gaining position based upon my worth to a company or organization. I worked to gain all; trust and position is earned through familiarity. This is pretty standard and many ‘styles’ are used to progress. Sadly, the church often operates in the same way. Leading in the church isn’t always pretty; sometimes even in our own ministries.

       For many in the church the issue of worthiness is often twisted, gradient by a standard not always so biblical. This can develop into a stumbling block for many. If you have been a believer for any length of time and have been studying the Scriptures, worthy is pretty much defined as what we are not. We learn the truth that it is only God’s grace that lifts us to a position in the body or to a place where we can be used for His glory. Yet, often, as we continue our walk, our concept of position begins to play with us. Worthiness becomes distorted as the lies of Satan nip at our heels (Did God really say…). We begin to question our worth as it relates to a position. Soon we define position as the barometer of worthiness.

       Why aren’t I teaching? How come I’m never chosen to do something ‘spiritual’? Why aren’t I a pastor? Why am I overlooked? Why is that person leaping ahead of me? Why aren’t I a leader? All of these are questions I have asked and others have asked of themselves (and of me) in our walk. Our questions look with a self-conscious involvement answered using criteria that fits some holy paradigm without resolution. Sometimes we see the answer as favoritism born of insecurity; more likely the answer is easier than that. The church is made of simple men like you and me who are apt to act in the same way the corporate world does as they create the sycophant and acolyte both.