The Pope-mobile

It is interesting to me that the Pope and a local pastor of a mega-church have security forces to “protect them.” These two men teach their followers that Christ is our provision, that we should not worry, that we should know that everything is in God’s hands, etc. However, both of these men are shielded from the very dangers that their people face in the alleys and parking lots that surround their churches and homes. These men guard themselves against unseen bullets while the men they pray over in Iraq are barraged with real bullets on battlefields. Is there a mixed message about trust being sent? How can we as followers trust God if those who desire to lead us do not trust Him with their lives?

Oh I know, “But Doug, you have an alarm system.” Yes, I do. I am not saying that it is wrong to be prudent and lock our doors to protect and defend our families, but if I were to lock my children away in a village and allow them no contact to the world, how would we win the world for Christ (see The Village, the movie). Being prudent is one thing and worshipping men is another. Being prudent is one thing and separating yourself from the people you serve for the sake of personal safety is another. Being a prudent president is one thing but being a spiritual leader is another.

What does it say when we protect our Christian Leaders with plastic bubbles and security forces that keep the crowd away? Does it say anything? Jesus was far more popular, far more influential, far more effective than either of these men. Yet, Jesus never worried for himself and chastised the disciples even when they wanted to keep the children away. What was so different about Jesus?

I believe it was faith-based wisdom. If God – Jesus’ heavenly Father – had told him to have a security force to take him to prayer, to home and to synagogue, then I am certain that Jesus would have employed such a force. But Jesus knew (he was wise) his mission and his life expectancy. Can Christian leaders have the same faith-based wisdom?

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Jas 1:5-8 NASU

Interesting isn’t it, that these two men tell us that Christianity is personal, they tell us to be like Jesus Christ, they tell us to trust Him as we face this tough world, and they tell us to follow a God of touch – but they are out of touch’s reach so often. Could it be that men told them to take these “security measures” and not God? Could it be that we are worshipping men and thinking that they are what make the church big? If so, then the church must really be in trouble.

“That man had a death threat on his life – how can you say these things?” one says to me. I answer, “Don’t we serve a Savior who faced death threats and went on with the people?” Would the Christian effort end if these men were martyred? What would have happened to Jesus’ mission to save the world through a cross if his security force had prevailed? How did Jesus handle his ‘security force’?

“…Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons they arrived at the olive grove. Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him. Stepping forward to meet them he asked, "Whom are you looking for?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said…And again they replied, "Jesus of Nazareth." "I told you I am he," Jesus said; "and since I am the one you are after, let these others go." He did this to carry out the prophecy he had just made, "I have not lost a single one of those you gave me."

Then Simon Peter (a follower of Christ) drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the High Priest's servant. But Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword away. Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given me?" So the Jewish police, with the soldiers and their lieutenant, arrested Jesus and tied him.

John’s Testimony 18:3-12 TLB

Christian Leaders are so confused. They hail Jim Elliot and others who gave their lives so that others might hear their message of Christ, yet they hide in their bubbles here at home.

I don’t think that we need to seek persecution and death, but at the same time it isn’t very godly of a Christian leader to have fears and worries. And how will we accomplish the ministry of Christ (he left us here to do it) if we are inaccessible and secured?

Perhaps some of our Christian Leaders have gotten just a little big for their britches – bigger than Christ. When did Christian Leaders begin to value themselves so highly, or when did they begin to be so foolish as to let men value them so highly? But be careful because this type of delusion comes in many forms – not just in security forces.