Answer:
That's a pretty sharp thing to say: "Don't use Adventism as a springboard to become a 'pope' of your established religion!" It's a comment that really hits home, pointing to that worry we all have—that someone might use their faith to gain power instead of genuinely helping people. It makes you think about all those times in history when good intentions went sideways because of personal ambition.
Paul's Story Rings a Bell
It reminds me of the Apostle Paul. Imagine someone telling him, "Don't use your revelation from Christ to become the 'pope' of our old Jewish ways or some new group!" But what was Paul really doing? He was just sharing what he truly believed was God's truth. He wasn't trying to be a big shot; he was driven by a deep desire to spread the good news.
Paul often had to explain himself in his letters. He wasn't in it for fame or fortune. He was always about Christ, about how the message of the gospel could change lives, and about serving the early Christian communities. People accused him of trying to lord it over them, but his whole life and everything he taught showed he was about humble service, willing to suffer for what he believed, and always pointing to Christ, never to himself.
What Real Faith Leadership Looks Like
That old story with Paul still feels relevant today. The worry about someone using their faith as a "springboard" is totally fair. It's a good reminder that if you've got influence in faith, you need to use it with integrity and selfless care.
But then, what's the alternative? Should we just keep quiet about our beliefs or avoid leading anything just because we're afraid of being misunderstood? I don't think so. The real answer is in why we do what we do.
True leadership in faith, whether it's Adventism or any other belief, is all about serving others. It means
- Sharing what we truly believe is God's truth, not just our own opinions.
- Caring about others' well-being and spiritual growth, not about getting famous or controlling people.
- Living out the principles of our faith, showing by our actions what we believe.
- Directing attention to God (or the core of our faith), not to ourselves.
A Chance to Look Inside
That "don't be a pope" comment, even though it's blunt, can actually be a good thing. It makes us look at our own hearts and constantly check if our faith journey is truly about God and helping others, or if it's slowly turning into something about us.
My hope, and what I think anyone deeply involved in their faith should aim for, is to have that same servant's heart Paul had. It's about being part of the community, sharing what you've learned, offering guidance, and championing your faith's message—all with a heart focused on service, not on grabbing power. It's about building people up, not tearing them down; about pointing to something bigger than ourselves, not trying to be that bigger thing.
In the end, it's not about being a "pope" of any religion. It's about being a faithful servant of God, trying to live out our beliefs with humility and a genuine desire to be a blessing to others. That's what I'm aiming for, and it's a journey we're all on together.
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