This quote resonates with me today as I consider my life in the context of ministry. When I take a few quiet moments to think about how I spend my days working in "ministry", as I did last night, I really wonder how much of what I do is what I ought to be doing. What exactly does the calling of a pastor entail biblically in a modern setting?
This kind of reflection drives me to consider several things, and here they are in no particular order:
~My commitment to solid, Scriptural teaching and practice must be paramount. I dare not waste any time I have in front of teenagers or children. Oh yeah, adults too, I guess. Biblically, this is the essence of the Biblical pastor - teaching truth, preparing others for service. Here is where I begin to cogitate on the subtle differences between shepherding and leading.
~Am I really meant to spend so much time dealing with difficult people about apparently meaningless issues? I don't suppose anyone is immune to this, but the lion's share of it seems to happen in the Church (forgive me if I am cynical . . .)
~What is the real impact on my family of being in the ministry? I have always been very careful with my priorities, but I wonder if I could give my sons even more of myself if I worked a job that I could leave at the office everyday. I am not one easily stressed, but I know that ministry can be stressful, and not just for the minister, but also his family.
~God has called me to ministry for a season, my family for a lifetime, and Himself for eternity. I think my decisions should be based on this hierarchy.
So, there you have it. A few things bouncing around in my cranium. I love what Jesus has done for me. May He give me an outlet to share this in whatever setting or vocation I find myself.
2 comments:
I have so stumbled through these same thoughts so much in the last two months. They resonate with me. Thank you for sharing.
Crazy, isn't it? :)
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