Douglas Wilson frequently has good thoughts. They are not always well received, but some of his thoughts are filled with biblical wisdom. Here is one thought on the way in which the preacher is to approach his pulpit:True masculinity is submissive. Right, submissive. Effeminacy in the pulpit is disobedient and rebellious. God tells the preacher to go and speak as the very oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11). He might not feel like it. He worries that people will think he is getting above himself. He wonders if he is really called to the ministry. When tackling any lofty scriptural subject, far above him, he is frequently as disappointed with his performance as the farmer's wife was when she asked the sow to fold the linen. But how he feels does not matter. He is told what to do, and he is under authority. "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
5 comments:
Submissive to the Word of God!
Great thought. This of course goes beyond the preaching of the Word and into living according to God's Word in everyday life. And of course submission goes beyond masculinity.
This is a great thought.
Yet I think it important to remember something: every Christian calling must also be carried out in meekness, humility, and honesty.
Why the tempering comment?
I have no too many Christians, in and out of church office, that have justified insensitivity, pride, and self-righteousness in the name of their service to the Lord.
Sorry.
In the third section where I wrote "no" please substitute "known."
Amen to Terry's comment. I'm all for a Biblically masculine approach to the pulpit - I think it's Scripturally required - but I too have seen many who are arrogant, and when rebuked accuse their rebukers of caving in to political correctness. There are ditches on both sides of the road.
The Wilson quote is quite good, too, and the bit about being submissive ought to ruffle feathers all around.
It's interesting, but I don't see the tie between effeminacy and failure to submit to God. It seems it would make a lot more sense if he omitted the second sentence completely and replaced "masculinity" with "preaching".
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