Glad to Be a Pastor
I'm glad to be a pastor. No complaints. Period.That said, I noticed this article yesterday, called "What Pastors Don't Like About Their Jobs." It lists the top 12 responses to a recent Facebook and Twitter survey:
- Criticism and conflict
- Unrealistic expectations
- Committees and administration
- Little family time
- Unreliable volunteers
- Loneliness
- Business meetings
- Power families
- Member apathy
- Broken homes
- Hypocrisy
- Budgets
It concludes by asking, "Laypersons, any surprises here? Pastors, what would you add?"Well, I'd like to ask a different question. Pastors, is there anything you would like to subtract? This list is too long - by 12 points!Do pastors encounter challenges? Absolutely yes. But that's nothing to not like. (Pardon the double negative.) Have we forgotten how Paul described the privilege of shepherding? It's a good work!And what about those challenges? Well, 2 Cor. 12:15 provides an excellent perspective to embrace wholeheartedly. There's no complaining here.
"And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved."
How is this kind of love for people possible? By depending on Jesus Christ, the true shepherd, to express His love through us to the people that we serve, no matter how challenging or difficult that may be. Remember, He despised the shame of the cross (Heb. 12:2), and He gave thanks for the opportunity to die on the cross for His sheep (1 Cor. 11:24-25). Do you?
