6. Pastors Will Give an Account for Their Members
Hebrews 13:17 again.
If pastors truly believed this:
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They would know their people better.
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They would monitor spiritual growth.
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They would disciple intentionally.
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They would develop accountability systems.
Many would even hope for smaller churches.
7. Greatness Is Found in Serving
Jesus said:
“I am among you as One who serves.”
The world seeks power.
Christ teaches service.
Yet many want leadership without humility.
We appoint deacons to serve…
Then complain when they want to rule instead.
8. Turn the Other Cheek
Jesus taught things that feel unrealistic:
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Love your enemies
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Give when wronged
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Go the extra mile
Many say:
“That’s for super-spiritual people.”
So instead, our example becomes Clint Eastwood rather than Christ.
9. Endure Wrong Instead of Suing
1 Corinthians 6:7 says clearly:
We should suffer loss rather than disgrace Christ.
But many insist:
“I have rights.”
The name of Jesus gets placed second.
10. Worship Is About God, Not Us
Before service:
“Lord, help us get something out of this.”
After service:
“Did you get anything out of that?”
The truth:
Worship is not about us.
Not our mood.
Not our preferences.
Not our comfort.
Read all 150 Psalms if you doubt it.
Start here:
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory of His name; bring an offering and come into His courts.”
— Psalm 96:8
The Point Is This
We have far to go.
The person Christ is shaping us to become is not who we are now.
The first step forward is honesty:
Not pretending we’ve arrived.
Jesus warns against the proud Pharisee
(Luke 18:9–14) and lifts up the repentant sinner:
“God, be merciful to me.”
Start there.
“Your ways are not mine.”
— Isaiah 55
And then pray:
“Search me, O God… try me.”
— Psalm 139
