Due to the rapid-pace, broad-reach of FB, I am very blessed to be in touch with a wide range of great men and women who are in full-time ministry. Many of these, I don't know. Yet, the connection is surely valuable as well as meaningful.
I read your blogs. I learn of your painful moments. I hear you when it's been your turn to live in the pits. I understand you when you speak of loneliness, unfairness, and (in some cases) abuse. Therefore, I wish to stand beside you in spirit with words of enduring confidence.
Don't quit.
Some of the stresses you encounter are unique. Few will understand. That's why I speak to you of this. I am one who gets some of it. My goal is to cheer you on to keep on keeping on.
We have not been called into a venture that goes with the world's grain. Jesus wasn't and we are to follow him. Right? As far as lack in the church, you and I surely must admit that we are at the head of the line in ignorance, lack of commitment, and sin. We are the chiefest of not-so-much. Fact.
This constant awareness should, therefore, find room for our patience, our understanding, and our sympathy as many in the churches we serve don't get it right either. But...we can grow in Him...together.
Having cleared that air, our role is to learn to follow Jesus while giving guidance for others to do the same. His walk is not normal. It descends. He did it so perfectly that they killed him. And we get offended at troubles? We are called into a work which often includes not getting our way, for having people against us, and for facing darkness when we were hoping for light.
Don't quit.
I'm serious. In times of trouble, learn to pray instead of feathering your nest with sympathizers. Rough and tough stuff is supposed to happen to us. We are followers of the crucified King.
In matters of perplexing confusion, learn to tell Him thank you for the very ones/things which are bent on making you miserable. This is not their problem; rather it is our opportunity.
When moments of anger tempt, refrain. Slay your enemies with love. Once there was a member who gave me extended grief; always chirping that this wasn't right and that wasn't right. I went to the mall and bought him a new shirt. He was my supportive friend until his death.
Don't quit.
Sometimes there seem to be no troubles. We can get down simply because the church doesn't seem to be functioning. Memorial got down to just a little over 200 members at one point. It was not good. But...but there was God who could give life to the dead. It was no time to be giving up; no time to quit.
Our two elders, Harriel Scarsdale and Ron Magnusson, made one of the boldest and most irrational moves I've ever seen. When we weren't meeting our budget and couldn't pay our bills, they added a full-time worship minister. Attendance has more than doubled since and three full-time, two part-time staff have been added.
Don't quit.
Finally, I feel the conviction to remind us about ourselves. We surely haven't arrived. I've been at this awhile and still feel like a rookie. I am a rookie. Really, in co-laboring with God, I'm still a novice. Therefore, in the midst of troubles we will do well to keep in mind that we often remain immature ourselves.
The kingdom of God is seriously challenging and is no place for sissies. To have a Savior/Leader/Mentor die on the cross and expect those of us who follow to walk paths of constant everything-seems-to-go-our-way is to misunderstand the sobriety of God's call. We are targeted by opposing forces with one thing in mind; shut us down.
Yet, a stronger call from heaven pleads that we keep going.
Don't give up on the church, her leaders, nor yourself. Tossing in the towel is not an option for disciples. Barking at those parked in the pews is useless. Enduring the cross, despising the shame, and walking beside the Spirit of God....this is required labor.
Don't quit.
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