I was confessing some struggles that I am working through to a friend recently and asked if this has changed the way that they look at me, the way that they see me as a person, as a “Christian”? Their response was, “It’s nice to know that you’re human”. There are so many people today that look at spiritual leaders as something perfect, someone to be praised, and not remembering that we all fall short of the glory of God. In those moments of honest confession, I am reminded that transparency is not weakness but a doorway to true fellowship. It is in our vulnerability that the grace of God is most clearly displayed, not in a polished image of perfection, but a flawed spectacle to glorify God. Many people in the pews look at their Pastor in a way that is idolatrous at times, giving loyalty to the person above loyalty to the Lord Jesus. This misplaced devotion can quietly take root without realizing it, drawing hearts away from the One who alone is worthy of all honor and praise. As humans we must be careful not to elevate vessels above the Potter who shapes them for His purpose. I often reflect on when the Apostle Peter walked into Cornelius’ house and was greeted with worship. It is written in *Acts 10:25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” Even Peter, used mightily by God, refused to accept what belonged only to the Lord, setting an example of humility that echoes through the ages. I pray quite often that the church today stops looking at men in the pulpit as if they are the Savior who they give homage to. Sadly, this tendency is not new, but echoes a pattern that has existed in the church since its earliest days. There were contentions in the Corinthian church about who should get the glory when it came to ministry as seen written about in *1 Corinthians 1:12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?* These divisions reveal how quickly the human heart can shift its focus from Christ to personalities and preferences. We must guard our hearts against this tendency and anchor ourselves firmly in the truth of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. Christians must remember that spiritual leaders are still just men, who are sinners saved by grace, same as the rest of us. Their calling is sacred, but their humanity remains, and it is God who sustains them, and should never be the praise of people. Brethren, may we all strive to live a life that glorifies our God while worshiping the only One that deserves it, the Lord Jesus, and pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit so as to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh. My prayer is genuine, “Heavenly Father, thank You for looking deeper in us than what others see, and for seeing our potential to glorify You in spite of who we are or what we have done. Please help Your children to trust that You have a plan to mold us, change us, transform us into the image of Your Son and use us to further Your kingdom. Help others to see Jesus’ reflection in us as we actively desire to glorify You and not the ones talking about you. Help us to trust You and Your plan for our lives in spite of what we see going on in front of us. Help all who hear these words to understand that You have a plan and purpose for their lives as well. In Jesus’ precious and powerful Name, Amen.”

In closing: Let us walk forward with eyes fixed on Christ and not on man, holding fast to the truth that He alone is our foundation. May our lives testify not to our own strength, but to the transforming power of His grace at work within us. And with unwavering conviction, let us give Him all the glory, now and forevermore.

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.