The following is a bit of a cathartic confession I feel compelled to post, not due to any circumstance in particular, but because of some reflective time of prayer this morning. Being a pastor is challenging. I dont know that its more demanding than any other job, but it certainly tests the sincerity an genuineness of my faith. One of the most challenging aspects is the craving for the approval and acceptance of others, particularly my congregation. I know this is sinful, and yet I cant seem to break the habit, particularly when I feel (or even imagine) the sting of rejection. I am a bad person. Impatience, arrogance, rudeness and jealousy are just the start of my behaviors that you might find annoying but God finds repulsive. And yet God was pleased to demonstrate his mercy by loving even me. This confession is liberating. It means that I dont need your approval and you dont need mine. As TIm Keller says, If I have the smile of God, all other frowns are inconsequential. Im free to love and serve you without craving reciprocation. If youve ever heard me preach a message that sounds anything at all like, Be better, try harder, do gooder, I sincerely apologize. Come hear me again, not as someone telling you how to win in life but as someone telling you how Jesus has won it all, and he did so by dying. If you think that there are bridges that have been burned, awkwardness that cannot be overcome or grudges that are too deep I promise you this, Gods grace is sufficient to overcome any ill will. If youre reading this youre my friend. If you arent a part of a church family Im humbly submitting my church to you as a venue in which you are welcome to be a part of a church family. Were a flawed family with a flawed pastor but we serve a perfect savior and his love for us is perfect. By Gods grace I will preach grace over and over and over again. Loving him and loving you, because he first loved me.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 17:01:50 +0000
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