May I be thoroughly transparent this morning. David mentions
two sins that particularly affect pastors (not only pastors so don’t think
anyone else is off the hook – ha). I have known many pastors who knowingly, or
not, were afflicted with one of the sins at times, including myself. Beyond
that, what is more common is that we are beset by both of these sins at various
times so that life is like a sin roller coaster when these two come along.
What are they? Pride and discouragement. “Let not the foot
of arrogance come upon me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.” (36:11) David
understood. When one is in a place of spiritual leadership with a group of
God’s people these two extremes can be deadly.
First, pride. There are those times when we pastors see
things going well or we preach a good sermon or we have a good counseling
session and we fall into the trap of thinking it was because of our own great
skill, wisdom or abilities that has caused all this. We forget, usually for a
moment, that the glorious grace and power of God is what brings every good
gift. It is not by our might nor by our power but by God’s spirit that things
go well in the service of the Lord (Zechariah 4:6). The boasting must be in him
and not in ourselves.
Second, discouragement. Every pastor knows the
discouragement that comes when things don’t go well or some critic attacks or
we are exhausted or any one of a host of possibilities that cause us to have a
pity party and feel sorry for ourselves. After the events of most Sundays,
sheer fatigue can bring this on. They taught us in seminary never to resign on
Monday. (smile)
But I have the sneaking suspicion that these two sins are
closely related. Perhaps they both come from thinking too much of ourselves and
too little of God. We think that things are dependent on our abilities and not
on the working of God in his people. Let me say again. The same things can be
said of every Christian no matter the line of work. Learn to boast and trust in
God in the highs and lows of life.
Prayer: Father, thank you for your steadfast love that you
give to your children. Thank you that your grace is sufficient for every need.
Thank you that you humble us when needed and build us up when needed. Your
perfect love is perfect for us. Praise your name!
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