M.O.G.S.

Main Thought

People often look to “Men of God” or “Women of God” for guidance. That can be very good. However, if we begin to rely on them for things that only God can do - like feeding our souls, meeting our need for approval, or carrying our faith - then we put our spiritual health at risk. We might develop the dangerous Man of God Syndrome (M.O.G.S.). This spiritual illness shifts our foundation, changes our focus, and threatens the fruit of our lives and our communities of faith.

The good news is that Jesus gives us the cure for the Man of God Syndrome. He saved us, He served us, and He empowers us to make a difference. Every follower of Christ is called to be part of the people of God. We resist M.O.G.S. when we point others back to Jesus. Still, living for God can be exhausting. We need to learn a new rhythm of grace. Think of it like breathing: we inhale by pausing in God’s presence, and we exhale by pushing forward in God’s mission. When we live in this rhythm, we can endure the race God has set before us and leave a lasting impact on those around us.

Main Passages

Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. 

- 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, MSG

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Mark 10:45, ESV

“…what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
- 2 Timothy 2:2, ESV

Discussion Questions

  1. Who or what do you rely on most as a source of strength, confidence, and even as a foundation of faith? Do you think relying on those things helps you, or distracts you from what matters most? 

  2. Think about the things you do to make disciples (help people know and follow Jesus), along with the ministries you’re a part of at church. How can you make sure you (and the teams you’re a part of) are producing fruit that will last?

  3. The Christian life is like breathing - inhale by pausing in God’s presence, exhale by pushing forward in His mission. Which side of the rhythm do you more naturally? Which side of the rhythm do you need more of right now, and why?