John,

Thanks for the link to my post at Cerulean Sanctum.

I think hierarchies are semi-OK. Problem is, we give them too much power. Yes, when it comes to wisdom and the ability to hear God and transmit that knowledge to others, the seasoned saint has a distinct advantage over the newbie.

However, when it comes to service for Christ, that distinction doesn't exist. In fact, the newbie may even be a better servant when it actually comes down to getting out there and doing the work.

The Bible on this:

But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
—Matthew 20:25-28

Man, how we forget that verse! Sometimes I think that should be on a plaque in the lobby of every church in America so that it's the first thing people see when they walk in. If we truly lived that way, what a difference it would make.
DLE | Homepage | 03.08.08 - 8:32 am | #