Are You Him?: When the Message Gets Lost in the Messenger

This is the breeding ground for false prophets: when the servant becomes the spectacle.

When the religious leaders asked John the Baptist, “Are you the Messiah?” (John 1:19), he didn’t falter. He didn’t turn to the crowd for affirmation or use the moment to elevate himself. He simply pointed to Christ. John’s life was not about visibility for visibility’s sake; it was about preparing the way for God’s purpose to unfold. He knew that the glory of men is temporary, but God’s agenda is eternal.

Today, too many pulpit leaders have inverted this principle. The stage has become the goal, applause the measure of success, and recognition the ultimate reward. Sermons are tailored for social media clout, platforms are leveraged for personal branding, and prophetic words often serve the messenger more than the message. This is the breeding ground for false prophets: when the servant becomes the spectacle, the message becomes secondary, and eventually, the minister begins to see themselves as ‘Him.’

The Seduction of the Spotlight

John had influence, but he never confused influence with authority. Visibility was a responsibility, not a reward. Modern ministry often glorifies the messenger over the message. The pulpit becomes a stage for self-promotion, and the church becomes an audience for performance. This is not just a cultural problem; it’s a spiritual danger. Matthew 23 warns us about leaders who love places of honor and recognition; the same principles apply today when platforms replace obedience.

Are They Seeing You or Christ?

John’s hallmark was clarity: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). The people went away seeing Jesus, not John. The moment the focus shifts from Christ to the messenger, ministry is corrupted. Today, likes, followers, and applause can subtly replace obedience. The true test of a servant is whether their audience leaves knowing God better, or simply admiring the messenger.

Platform Is Not Purpose

The pulpit is a responsibility, not a pedestal. John’s life teaches that prominence is dangerous without submission. Today, some leaders use platforms for influence rather than alignment with God. Messages are molded to please, not to convict. Visibility is pursued for ego, not obedience. The paradox is clear: when self overshadows God, the platform becomes a trap, and the servant risks becoming the idol of their own ministry.

The Path to Becoming ‘Him’

False prophecy rarely starts with lies; it begins when the messenger mistakes themselves for the message. John never confused his role with Christ’s, but today, ambition can slowly shift a servant’s identity. The danger is not always doctrinal error; it is the subtle elevation of self above the Savior. Once that happens, the ministry no longer points people to God, it points to a man.

Let God’s agenda overshadow yours, always.

John’s legacy was radical in its humility: visibility without self-exaltation, influence without ambition, and recognition without ownership. Every servant of God must examine their heart: are we preparing the way for Him, or are we preparing the crowd to worship us? Decrease so He may increase (John 3:30). Let the pulpit be a mirror reflecting Christ, not a stage reflecting self.