When I was writing my recent Blogs on the Sermon on the Mount, I
re-read Scriptures in which Jesus warns about temptations that befall
humans, and I thought about the temptations that must accompany
success in many endeavors.
Then I started to think about what are popularly called “mega
churches” that have been in the news lately. Pastoring these huge
congregations with members numbering in the thousands is quite a
responsibility and a mixed blessing. This success may very well become a
stumbling block, since human nature would dictate that this “success
formula” must be kept in place. It is easy to see that spiritual growth
that is not in accord with popular notions of spirituality might
threaten this success.
An example might be the pastor’s decision to remain at the “safe”
rung of the “compassion” ladder, when it comes to other animals. The
“safe” rung would dictate that nothing be said to indicate that animals
are meant to be much more than “pets” or food or entertainment.
In my opinion, a pastor who knows that there are hurting humans who
feel marginalized because of their God-given sensitivity to the
horrendous plight of other animals, and who refuses to openly address
the truth, has succumbed to the corruption of power. In the timelessness
of eternity, such a pastor is trading a second’s worth of power and
prestige for unending regret.
