Preaching should be encouraging, faith-building, Biblically sound, uniting, and, most of all, anointed. Using the pulpit as an agenda is dangerous. Even rebuke and reproof should be done in love with the goal of improving, not provoking to anger. A preacher of the Gospel must be confident in their calling, but not arrogant in their delivery. It’s not about growing a tribe, but building the church. Yes, God will reveal things to those who preach the Word, but no one minister or organization has the exclusive rights to all truth.
I still believe that Jesus is our greatest example of teaching the Word of God. He made sure that whoever He was talking to, could understand what He was saying. There were only a few times when Jesus was upset and shared His feelings. On one occasion, He looked at His disciples and warned them about a specific group of people. Jesus said, “Beware of the Pharisees.” These people were Holier than everyone else and were incredibly condescending to anyone that was not a part of their group. Jesus was teaching His disciples to be preachers of the Gospel, and He was letting them know, I don’t want you to ever sound like the Pharisees when you share my Word. They have more tradition than they have a revelation.
Young or old, if you a preacher of the Gospel, I encourage you to preach the Word with love. For Jesus said, “By this shall ALL men know that you are my disciples if you have love one for another.” We have an incredible responsibility to equip and build up the body of Christ. Use your voice to be a builder, not a divider.
