The Cult Of Personality

Every day we are used to hearing about 'celebrities' - people who make the headlines for one reason or another. People idolise pop stars or sports stars or film stars. People in the days of the New Testament were no different. In the Roman Empire they even had their star gladiators.

This 'cult of personalities' even crept into the Church. In Corinth the congregation was divided. Some members thought Paul was great, others favoured Apollos and some, Peter. Some, probably feeling rather superior, said they followed Christ!

You find this kind of thing in today's churches as well. There are popular preachers — the 'stars' of the Christian scene. Paul says this kind of thing ought not to be in the church. The emphasis must always be on the Lord Jesus Christ. Of course God uses different servants in different circumstances and some preachers are better communicators than others. Some are effective evangelists, some good teachers, but there should not be any jealousy among them and there should not be any favouritism among the congregations. God's servants are there to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and we need to pray for them and encourage them all.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help us to focus on the Gospel, so that there may be no division among us. Amen.