It is a privilege to be called a minister or servant of God. Therefore, let ministers of God serve people as Jesus did and not abuse or exploit them as the scribes did. Let ministers of God and Christians occupying high offices love and help people. By so doing, they will be humbled by the grace of the Lord that has put them in their offices, out of which they are required to serve people and not to lord it over them.
“Then He said to them in His teaching, ‘Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts.” (Mk 12:38-39). Human beings have a natural tendency to seek the glory of other people. This is particularly so for those who get into high or leadership positions. That was the situation of the scribes, who were a learned group of people, knowledgeable in the Law of Moses and respected by the Jews.
“Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and His disciples, saying: “The scribes and Pharisees have seated themselves in Moses’ chair [of authority as teachers of the Law]; so practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do as they do; for they preach [things], but do not practice them. The scribes and Pharisees tie up heavy loads [that are hard to bear] and place them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not lift a finger [to make them lighter]. They do all their deeds to be seen by men, for they make their phylacteries (tefillin) wide [to make them more conspicuous] and make their tassels long.They love the place of distinction and honour at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues [those on the platform near the scrolls of the Law, facing the congregation], and to be greeted [with respect] in the market places and public forums, and to have people call them Rabbi.” (Matt 23:1-7; AMP).
Their offices commanded much respect, and they received it, liked it and used it to exploit the underprivileged. The Lord came, anointed with the Holy Spirit and power to do mighty things, yet He never sought people’s glory. He said that a man could have nothing unless given to him from above, so they have nothing to pride themselves on.
Ministers of God still risk falling into this same trap which the scribes fell. For example, the wearing of unique clothing, the carrying of big titles, the sitting in special seats in Church, the respect accorded them and being looked up to for special prayers all help create the impression of being exalted above their congregants. The only escape from this trap is for them to seek the glory of God always, and not the glory of people. By so doing, they will be humbled by the grace of the Lord that has put them in their offices, from which they are required to serve people and not to lord it over them.
