“Preacher if the world loves you, you are preaching wrong”

The phrase “Preacher if the world loves you, you are preaching wrong” has been widely attributed to various Christian figures throughout history and carries with it an important message for members of the clergy: namely, that the relationship between the pastor and the people should be such that the pastor’s words and actions are not accepted by all, but that the pastor should seek to challenge those committed to church life. In this essay, I will argue that in order for a pastor to be effective, he or she must be in tune with the needs of their congregation, but also willing to challenge them when appropriate.

Throughout the Bible, there are several accounts that demonstrate the importance of speaking the truth and challenging the status quo. The classic example comes from Jesus, who argued with the religious authorities, who had become rigid and unmoving in their interpretation of the Law. In one instance, Jesus confronted those leaders and said, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” By bringing up this example, Jesus was showing that it is not enough to simply accept the word of the religious leaders and remain silent; one must challenge them when necessary and seek justice, even if it might not be popular.

When a pastor preaches, his or her words should come from the heart and address the issues that the church and its members face, even if those issues are uncomfortable or unpopular. True faith comes from a “righteousness that does not conform to the world” (Romans 12:2), not one that is simply accepted and conformed to the standards of the day. Therefore, a pastor who makes an effort to challenge their congregation’s beliefs in a way that is respectful and winsome is more likely to (1) foster an environment of open dialogue and (2) help members of their congregation to grow in and apply their faith to their lives.

At the same time, a pastor should also be mindful of the need to be loving and compassionate towards their congregation. Jesus demonstrated love by going to the places that were socially unpopular, such as the home of Zacchaeus or the woman at the well. His actions showed strong encouragement for those who were oppressed and cast aside. This same spirit should be embodied in the preaching and attitude of the pastor who seeks to spread the Gospel of Jesus and bring hope to his or her congregation. 

When one thinks of love, they may think of caring and kindness. The phrase “preacher, if the world loves you, you are preaching wrong” may seem contradictory to this idea of love. After all, if someone is preaching something that the world loves then surely it must be good, right? The truth is, while the world loves someone that may appear good and present a superficial level of love, it is not indicative of true and lasting love. If a preacher finds that the world loves them, it most likely means that they are not preaching God’s truth of radical love and transformation, but rather a watered-down version that does not disrupt the way things are.

True Christianity is not a call for us to live a comfortable, peaceful and unexamined life, but rather the opposite. Jesus, who is the example of a preacher par excellence, told us that the way of the cross, suffering and even persecution is the way to freedom and eternal life. He stated in Luke 6:22-23 “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven.” Jesus was never popular in his day, and in his mission he was constantly challenging and critiquing the oppressive systems of his day. He also admonished people to give up their false sense of security. 

When a preacher speaks the truth and calls people to repent and seek the true way of God, many will find it difficult and may even be made uncomfortable. True love is often unrequited and difficult to accept. There is no doubt that it can be hard to love the sinner without loving the sin and to offer grace and love with the expectation of repentance and change. We must understand that true love requires sacrifice and is to be demonstrated through call to a higher standard and an attempt to point others back to God with a message of hope and redemption.

In conclusion, if a preacher finds that the world loves them and their preaching, they may want to reconsider what they are doing. A good preacher must be sure to speak the full truth of God in a way that is both loving and wise, not just what the world wants to hear. The world may love them, but God’s love is a better and far deeper kind. We need preachers and teachers that can help us dive deeper into the true love of God and not just settle for the applause of the world.

In summary, in order for a pastor to be effective, he or she must be grounded in the word of God and willing to challenge their congregation when necessary. This can be done in a way that is loving and compassionate, but also speaks truth that is based on scriptural principles. If a pastor is truly following what God calls them to do, then there will likely be times