If a preacher strives for the attainment of honor, money, and good days, and wants to shape his sermons with that end in mind, he will never accomplish anything; nor will he last. If this ambition fails, he retreats and becomes a non-Christian, as he was before. He who governs and preaches only for his own benefit will never be serious about his business; nor will he ever help or rebuke anyone. But if he has the public welfare at heart, he follows through and speaks and acts according to his knowledge of what is good and right, regardless of either the anger or the ridicule he may arouse, and regardless of his own advantage or disadvantage. But where do you find such people? They are real pearls and diamonds in the great mass, both in the spiritual and in the secular realm. For here no one is willing to open his mouth or (to use a common expression) to bell the cat, to administer an office without fear or favor, and to fulfill his duty. No, men seek to harvest honor and glory from their office; they use it only for their own profit, and then they have no conscience scruples, as though they had done their work well. In Christendom it is necessary that especially those who are to be preachers love their Lord Christ with all their hearts and above all else in the world, that they stand ready to do and to suffer everything for His sake, with this thought in mind: Whoever wants to be angry because of my preaching or to laugh, let him do so! I am unconcerned about any man, be he prince, scholar, or saint; I look to my Christ alone. Martin Luther Luthers Works, AE 24:134, Sermons on the Gospel of St. John, John 14:19
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 10:51:00 +0000
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