Kay

CBMW: “So the issue of shamefulness is at root an issue of doing something that would dishonor the role of the men as leaders of the congregation.”

Cheryl,
Shouldn’t they be more worried about what dishonors God? I think you are spot on to suggest that issues of shame and dishonor go hand in hand with the issue of pride. Didn’t Paul say “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world”?

I couldn’t agree more that Jesus turned men away from such a boastful way and commands all who desire to be the greatest in the kingdom to be the servants of all according to Matt. 20:25-28. The true servant of God will equip all for service without concern over having his or her own honor.

When a man’s shame and dishonor comes before the work of God, something is terribly wrong.
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!” Phil. 2:5-8
“but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” vs. 3

Frankly, I’ve always envisioned the apostle Paul being shocked and dismayed if he were here to see the number of churches named in his honor – St. Paul’s insert denomination Church.