Not Jesus: Driscoll, Piper, and Furtick

It is tempting to follow people who look like Jesus. I am not talking about beards and sandals; I am talking about legitimate Christ followers. There is a rich tradition of men and women who have laid it all down for the sake of Jesus. I bet you can think of some people in your life who have modeled Christ-likeness to you. These people are great role models because they point us towards Jesus. Dont make the mistake of following people. Follow the one who they follow. Our culture is not the first to idolize church leaders. Paul has to correct the Christians in Corinth when he says,

My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”

They were confused about who they were to follow. They had a hard time seing the leader behind the leader. We follow Christ; not Driscoll or Piper or Furtick. I use three great church leaders to make a point: they are not the ones to follow (and they would be the first to tell you). The world is fulled with powerful Christian testamonies but dont use these to displace Christ. David G. Benner reminds us that, "The Christian spiritual journey requires us to overcome the temptation to follow other people rather than Jesus himself." It is easier to follow people who are not Jesus. Dont do that.

David G. Benner. Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction (p. 27). Kindle Edition.