Wednesday, November 14, 2007

MY NAME ISN'T BUTT

I know you are busy, Butt.

I know you are in the middle of workshop, Butt.

I know you are about to step up to preach, Butt.

My name isn't Butt.

I address one other episode which always calls that name. I know it's your day off, Butt. Do you in ministry find you have an identical name? I get Mondays, Thursday afternoons, and a half a day Saturday off. I need that time away and the church needs me to have that time away. I get called Butt during some of those times.

Nearly all such days have at least slight interruption. Last Thursday evening I had a meeting in my home regarding a golf tournament we are laboring over. It was the only time in two weeks all five of us could get together. The meeting went from 6:30 to 8:00 and at 8:00 one developing an unexpected counseling session arrived in my drive which lasted 'til my bedtime....9:15 (That's a joke....sorta).

Multiple claims on singular time-slots can wear a servant down. Here are some things to consider for where you live:
  • It's not up to you to fix things or people....Romans 9:16.
  • It is lawful to let your yes be yes and your no be no. When you mean to say no, say so.
  • When, in your opinion, no is the proper response, give it without feeling guilty.
  • It is important to discern which pressing issues are legitimate and which are from sheer irresponsibility.
  • Try to remember that while some are actually interrupting your day, there are other leaders in the church who have full-time jobs and will be interrupted by several we no nothing about as soon as they sit down to eat with their families.
  • Remember that recurring characteristic of Jesus' ministry is that he ran into one interruption after another. Such makes his story.

Hold on when the plates begin to wobble. Say no when you need. Be grateful all of the time. Don't complain. One of the things I say to myself when the going gets tough is a lot of good men wish they had my job just one week and I have it every day!

6 comments:

bigwhitehat said...

It may not be your name. It does seem like it might be your nick name.

Cary said...

Wait, you're a preacher - you only work on Sundays, right?

Anonymous said...

Best blog title ever.

TREY MORGAN said...

Just what I needed. Posted along the same lines today. I get tired spiritually, emotionally and physically because I can't say no.

Thanks

Stoogelover said...

I did my graduate work in counseling and psychology and one of the first things they taught us neo-counselors was to determine which of someone else's problems do you want to buy into and to what degree. And that it was okay not to buy into all of them.
Good blog ... but

Leon Mission Effort said...

Great thoughts Terry. I really appreciate how God uses you to encourage me at the right time. I haven't been on your blog in a long time..."lots of 'buts". I'm glad I was challenged not only from your experience, but God speaking His word through you! I see so many get overwhelmed, and give up. I want to serve God all my life and it's important that I serve Him in every area, including taking care of my family and myself. I will say a pray for the Rush family today! shawn