Meditating Luke 14:7-14, another thought crossed my mind. Memories warned me of the lonely road a leader, a teacher from God is to walk. For he must know the way of God very clearly. Should he slide, he'll either take the extreme path not of God or be upheld by God to maintain his uprightness.
To reach such position is almost certainly a point of no return. All would not want the embarrassment of immaturely taking the highest room. And I have seen how they handle their embarrassment.
Though I teach the youth at church, I know God has not called me so. Therefore, I best watch myself, and see myself not as the teacher (As Stephen Tong, Paul Washer, John MacArthur, etc.) called by God, regardless of the praises of everyone else including the pastor. So that the day will come, when my Lord will say unto me, Friend, go up higher, and I will be the vessel of God in His glorious victory. That I may witness the praises of the righteous and the grinding of teeth of the ungodly.
As for Luke 14:25-35,
I have seen a great many fallen pastors, how they have not counted the cost nor consulted how they would fare in a battlefield. Though they keep striving to maintain the office they once held, relying on love of others and remnant of their social connection, on tolerance and human-centric relationships, but wherewith shall they be seasoned? May the mercy of God be upon those who are still standing. This I pray for all incumbent pastors and preachers, even Rev. Stephen Tong, David Tong, Rev. Stephen Chan, Rev. Laura Lin and Alex Tseng. May God be merciful to me, as I meditate in His Law, day and night.