How easy is it for a leader to develop the God Syndrome? Just question someone who has it. Their decisions, no matter how debatable, are believed (by them) to be God's decision (divine). And, if you question their decision, you are accused of questioning God.There does exist divine intervention, spiritual gifts, and divine illumination. But, I am reminded of the following Scripture: (Galatians 6:3) "For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself." (NASB)
This theme reappears several times in Paul's letters (e.g., Rom. 12:3; Phil. 2:1-5). The problem of unjustified pride is a feature of a few antique church leaders today, but it almost seems viral in Paul's churches. Place this against the backdrop of meekness, which Paul taught was appropriate.
Interestingly, Paul does seem to allow that a person might legitimately think him or herself something in a certain circumstance, as we see in the verse that follows: (Galatians 6:4-5) "But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load." (NASB)
Nothing in these verses gives us any indication that Paul is spinning out some circumstance that could never happen. A person might have room for boasting because he or she carries his own load and has a "work" that proves worthy upon testing. No effort is made to reconcile such statements with other places where Paul prohibits boasting in relation to justification (e.g., Rom. 4:2). It is of course possible, however, that Paul has in mind the final judgment as the time of such boasting.
Most leaders who suffer from the God Syndrome refer back to "the day" when they were successful pastors or minsters. (Pastoring has changed drastically in the past 5 years.) Listening to them almost leaves the impression that no one else can do ministry like they did. But, what about their ministry results in the past 12 months?
Remember Jesus' teaching in Matt. 7:1-5 and Rom. 2:1? We are not to be tempted to think ourselves something as we restore those overtaken in a transgression. We are not to think ourselves superior to others or to boast in relation to others. We will have an opportunity to boast about our works at the judgment seat of Christ.
For now, I am far more impressed with today's ministry results, rather than boosting about the past. God's favor and anointing will be obvious without the minister having to tell people (in so many words), "This is God speaking."
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