1 Corinthians 9:27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Some seminaries do make a point of this verse, but far too many seem to gloss over it, if the results are to be believed. The devil is indeed very crafty, (Genesis 3:1) and he knows how to play on human pride and sensuality. It would be impossible to list all the church leaders who have been brought down because they thought they were “above” either regulations or temptations. Paul’s words in the very next chapter are good advice: “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12) He knew that those in the lead get targeted! As he wrote at length in Ephesians 6 and elsewhere, he knew that the weapons and armor God provides are sufficient for the fight, but he also knew that they have to be used to be effective. A US soldier in Afghanistan who’s going to be on point for a patrol isn’t about to leave his body armor in the camp! It is if anything even more vital for every church leader to be sure they are clothed in Christ (Galatians 3:27) at all times, because every item in the armor listed in Ephesians 6 is found in Him. That’s why Jesus said so many times in the Upper Room Discourse, (John 13~16) “Abide in Me.” We aren’t to be afraid of the devil, because He Who is in us is greater, (1 John 4:4) but neither are we to let down our guard, and we must recognize that the devil is most likely to use the weaknesses he finds in us already.

This of course applies to me in spades. I am no more immune to attack than the newest Christian, so I’ve got to keep my focus on Christ. The biggest temptation for me is to think that because God speaks through me, that means I’m already doing the things I say. I must remember that my sermons are first to me! That is precisely what Paul is talking about in this verse. I can and do speak God’s truth into lives and situations, but I’ve got to let that Word pierce my own heart, cutting out everything that is not pleasing to God. (Hebrews 4:12) Any time I learn of another church leader who has fallen, I need to remember that “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” I am to pray for those in my flock, but I am also to pray for those leading other flocks, that they may stand firm and finish well, for the glory of God.

Father, thank You for this reminder. I think of it often, because You are so faithful to speak Your Word through me. Help me apply that Word in my own life faithfully, so that I too may stand tall and finish well, as an encouragement to many and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!