THE CHURCH REPORT MAGAZINE has come out with their annual 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL CHRISTIANS IN AMERICA issue and it is very interesting to say the least. I can only imagine that heaven's perspective may be a little different as the top 10 might well be headed up with white haired grandma prayer warriors! I agree with a number of the selections, but was a little disappointed to find some names missing.
Influence is not always a positive thing if the person doing the influencing has bad theology or is unethical in their calling. It seems that the greatest temptation and challenge that most of us could ever face would be notoriety and success. I have heard it said that most people can weather poverty and loss, but few can weather success.
It seems that this statement is confirmed throughout the Biblical record and history. Solomon is probably the greatest example of a man who was praised universally during his time and "blessed" with more material wealth than anyone before.
Having whatever his eyes and appetites desired did not do him well, but rather led to great despair and spiritual poverty. The book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible tells of us his journey and ultimate conclusions. Here they are in his own words; "Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person. 14God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad."(NLT) May God give grace to these influential ones and keep them from leading many astray as they humbly accept the yoke of success and recognition.
Dr. Phil isn't going to be happy about this.
ReplyDeleteYou are soooooo right. They should have said, "The 50 most POSITIVE influential Christians". I would also have to agree that I think that God's list could very well look very different, i.e. the first shall be last and the last first.
ReplyDeleteI recieved this article through a friend, and it bothered me so much that I didn't finish it but just "skimmed". I get bugged by giving people ranks. Maybe because the last shall be first and the first shall be last, but also because it reinforces a works mentality.
ReplyDelete"When I pastor a church of 5000, write books, speak on tv, radio and travel to conferences all while maintaining my Armani cashmere blend suit in crisp, precise creases, I, too, shall be in the most influencial people of the US."
Someone out there now has something to attain to or to be defeated by. And that, to me, is a travesty.
BTW- is the pope Christian??? wow, who would've thought?!