Intro to Matthew 8:34-38

We have all heard of poor examples of what it looks like to follow Christ. I think it is fair game to run down pastors who are poor examples of what following Christ should look like. One day a couple of years ago I was at home sick and all I could do was lie on the couch and watch TV. I ran across a seminar that was one TV lead by an African American leader name Tavis Smiley. For some reason I really got into the discussions they were having. I took it as an opportunity for a generic white pastor to learn something about the African American community. You guys know me and you know that if I were not the pastor of GCC I would be what is called a “generic white business man.” With that said I found the show very helpful in understanding different issues within the African American community and the African American church.

Tavis Smiley coined a phrase that day that stuck with me. He called out the “Pimp Daddy Preacher” for taking advantage of his position and people. He talked about these pastors who drove Lexus’ and wore suits that cost a half of my year’s salary and installed ATM’s in their churches!

After the seminar that became a symbol in my mind of how I did not want to pastor a church. The “Pimp Daddy Preacher” is a terrible example of what following Christ looks like. Following Christ is not about prestige, or material wealth, or the comfortable life. Following Christ is about self-sacrifice, and losing your life, and proclaiming Christ instead of yourself.

I want to take a few posts and look at Matthew 8:34-38 which deals with that it means to follow Christ. I find it helpful to reread the gospels and let Jesus remind me what following Him is all about.