ARE YOU A FLATTERER?

For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.   Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.  (1 Thessalonians 2:5-6)

Encouraging people for their blessing is a commendable thing for a pastor to do.  Flattering folks for the pastor’s benefit is an evil.  Scripture warns about the flattering tongue.  For example, we read this: “A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”  (Prov.26:28) and this: “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.”  (Prov.29:5)  The flatterer is in peril of judgment (Ps.12:3).

Paul never told people what he thought they wanted to hear, but spoke what they needed to hear.  Sometimes those are the same, but often not. 

The flatterer has greed for his motive.  His preaching is a pretext for exalting his own ego rather than edifying the saints.  Such a pastor wants to go places and gain riches, so he primes the pump of the movers and shakers with flattery, that he may profit from their deep pockets.

Giving people a cheerful word when they are downcast is ministry.  Puffing people up with flattery is manipulation.  The congregation may not be able to judge the motive, but be sure God can—and does.

The way to avoid being a flatterer is to be consumed with the glory of God and the good of others.  The flatterer in the pulpit is the one who seeks his own glory and gain.  Brothers, let us search our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit’s fire to refine our motives.