Quiet Fire Reflection | Are You the Preacher or the Performer?

Preacher or Performer

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." – Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

The Preacher: Speaking from Fire

He carries the Word as if lightning is locked in his bones. His message isn't rehearsed—it's forged. He doesn't craft polished phrases aimed at gaining human approval. Instead, he bleeds openly, weeps earnestly, warns passionately, and loves fiercely—not for personal acclaim, but purely for Christ. He feels the weight, senses the burden, and knows the holy reverence of uttering words ignited by God Himself.

The Performer: Speaking to Mirrors

He seeks approval, not conviction. Each phrase crafted for maximum effect, each pause perfectly timed. He studies the room, adjusting the message until it comforts rather than confronts. Driven by ambition to be perceived as the best—not always for Christ, but often for himself—he craves the praise and glory of others who place him high upon pedestals. His worth becomes tethered to feedback, popularity, and human admiration, drifting far from the reverence and humility Christ modeled.

Which One Are You Becoming?

Pause here. This isn't a question for someone else—it's aimed straight at your heart:

• In your preaching, do you speak trembling, aware of heaven's gaze?

  • "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word." – Isaiah 66:2 (ESV)

  • Objective: Cultivate humility and reverence for God's authority rather than human approval.

• In your writing, is authenticity or audience reaction your goal?

  • "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ." – Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)

  • Objective: Pursue genuine, truthful expression that builds maturity in Christ rather than seeking popularity.

• In your witness, does truth guide you, or are you swayed by popularity?

  • "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." – Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

  • Objective: Faithfully represent Christ, uncompromised by societal approval.

• What direction are you taking people to through your social media? Is your aim genuinely pointing others to Jesus, or subtly steering attention toward yourself?

  • "He must increase, but I must decrease." – John 3:30 (ESV)

  • Objective: Shift attention clearly and consistently towards Christ, diminishing self-promotion.

• In your hidden dreams, are you seeking to magnify God or glorify yourself?

  • "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." – Colossians 3:23 (ESV)

  • Objective: Align personal ambitions completely with honoring God, rather than pursuing self-exaltation.

    
    

Reflect deeply—who are you becoming, and who is it really for? Is your transformation truly dedicated to Jesus, or are there subtle moments when you claim glory meant only for Christ? Are you driven by the pure love of serving Him, or does the temptation to showcase your intellect, creativity, or capability creep in?

Corrective Action: Burn the Stage, Rebuild the Altar

If you've drifted into performance, grace awaits your return. But repentance requires dismantling. Tear down the stages you've built for yourself. Burn down the crafted personas. Rebuild altars instead—places marked by holy fire, not polished applause. Return to pulpits saturated with smoke, signs of authentic encounter rather than careful rehearsal.

Jesus, the True Preacher

Jesus was a preacher and not a performer. His voice carried divine authority, often unwelcome because of its piercing truth. He didn't soften the message to please the crowds. Likewise, He didn't craft words to bring people towards Himself. His words were to lead people to the Father through Him. He reserved the glory He poured out for the Father until death, burial, and resurrection. So should it be with us.

"For I have not spoken on My own authority, but the Father who sent Me has Himself given Me a commandment—what to say and what to speak." – John 12:49 (ESV)

That's your example. That's your Lord.