Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-10

Have you ever heard the analogy that a busy person wears a lot of hats? It is simply another way to say someone plays a variety of different roles in their life. The hat we wear at work may be very different from the hat we wear at home or at church. On any given day, an individual can easily play a dozen roles in the lives of other people. Let’s consider changing that analogy from hats to shoes. This morning, let’s talk about our platform shoes.

Throughout history, individuals have been wearing platform shoes for various reasons. For many of us, platform shoes take us back to the fashion of the 1970’s when it was popular to wear shoes that added a couple of inches to your height. The platform shoe was a fun fashion statement, whether you were headed to the disco or going to work. These shoes allowed you to stand taller, be more visible, and gain confidence.

WE ARE MORE VISIBLE WHEN WE WEAR OUR PLATFORM SHOES.

Consider the “platform shoes” we wear when we are asked to play a role in the Sunday morning service. Whether you are making announcements, leading worship, or preaching the sermon, when you step onto the platform, you are stepping into a role. You now stand taller than most of the people in the room; you are more visible and the pressure of all eyes being on you is felt immediately.

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when we wear our platform shoes. We have all seen the comical videos of runway models trying to keep their composure while struggling to stay upright in their fancy stilettos. Many of us have stories of tripping or falling because we chose to wear the tall shoe or the slick shoe instead of the safe shoe. The shoes may be beautiful but it is easy to find ourselves flat on our face with little to no warning.

It is a privilege to be in ministry, an honor to step onto the platform, but with it comes responsibility and the need for intentionality. If I’m not careful, I can stumble, causing others to do the same. Paul describes himself to Timothy as chosen to the message of faith and truth (1 Timothy 2:7). He was called, and he was given a purpose. When we are chosen to lead others in worship, we are called to provide an atmosphere where God has our full attention and the Spirit has permission to do a work in our lives. When we are called to preach, God gives us a message for His people. We often have no idea what those in the congregation are feeling or going through, but the Spirit gives us the words to speak specifically into each heart across the room.

But it is easy for me to get in the way of accomplishing that purpose. I want others to experience Jesus but, when I stand on the platform, THERE I AM! My presence, with all my humanity and imperfections, can easily become an obstacle or distraction to others. How can I authentically lead others to the throne if they are distracted by the way I live my life?

“In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.” – 1 Timothy 2:8

My attitude can easily be a distraction to myself and to others. My ability to truly worship God is limited when I am struggling due to a conflict with another person. How can I experience the joy of the Lord when I am angry with someone else or refuse to forgive them? How can others believe that my worship is authentic if they know I am steeped in conflict or quick to run my mouth about someone else. If I am going to wear my platform shoes with grace, I must take care of that strained relationship with someone else in the congregation. If I am going to wear my platform shoes with mercy, I need to stop gossipping about those I am trying to lead to the throne of God.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. – 1 Timothy 2:1

Whether we like it or not, what we wear when we are on the platform can be a distraction to the main purpose of the service. Paul points out that our appearance can get in the way; it can be a distraction or become a roadblock to someone fully experiencing God’s presence or worshiping God (1 Timothy 2:9-10). It is important that what you wear does NOT get more attention than what you are saying!

SO HOW DO I LOOK IN MY PLATFORM SHOES?

Am I wearing them well, or am I a disaster waiting to happen? Am I standing in the way of the message God wants His people to hear today? Is there anything about how I live my life or how I have handled myself over the last week that will keep my siblings in Christ from hearing God because all they can see is me? Is my last social media post louder than the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life?

The one who speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; the one who serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies. Our desire should be that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. — 1 Peter 4:11