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Though every pastor is different in personality and ability, each should have a passion and a heart for what they are doing. If someone’s heart in not in the ministry, then they will wash out or manipulate their position to their personal advantage. Either way, the results are not favorable. 

An Example

(Romans 10:1) “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”  (KJV)

I am reminded about the burden the Apostle Paul had for his fellow Jew in Romans 10:1. Everywhere he went, convenient or not, you could be assured he was going to reach out to his kinsman according to the flesh! Where are the burdened men of today? Where are those whose hearts are broken for the lost to be saved? Where is the tenderness at? Where are those who have a burden as the Apostle Paul had?

A Distraction

It is so easy to be distracted in ministry. So many things require your attention. Some days it seems that you are more of an administrator than a preacher! Beneath the surface, however, we either have a burden or not. If there is a real brokenness and heart for someone, then we will move Heaven and Earth to meet the need! In the very least, we used to think this way. Simply put, we should not get distracted from soul winning!

An Observation

It saddens me to behold God’s people so burdened over politics and their pocket books. Tea Party or not, souls are headed for Hell, and lower taxes are not going to keep them from that awful place. Yes, there is a time and place for politics and public policy, but let us keep our passion for souls alive. A heart for the salvation of man is more important than what you think about President Barack Obama! Some of God’s men are more passionate about their abhorrence for the sitting President of the United States, than they are about their calling in life.

Conclusion

Is there a raging fire in our soul for the salvation of lost people? Can you still hear the incessant voice, of God’s Holy Ghost, whispering in your ear that familiar question, “I wonder if that person knows my Jesus?” Have you still the tears of compassion for needy souls? Maybe you should take a walk down memory lane to the clay pit of sin from where you were rescued?


Something to think about… isn’t it?

Would You Consider Purchasing…

The Plight of Man and the Power of God By Martyn Lloyd-Jones / Christian Heritage Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ preaching always had an emphasis on the desperate plight of man and the power of God to save. His preaching was crystal clear on the sovereignty of God in the salvation of sinners, a concept that does not sit comfortably in our day of pragmatism, programmes and self-help books. Nevertheless it remains at the core of what the world needs to hear. Based on Romans 1, this wonderful book will help you understand what the gospel is. When we live in a world that is spiralling out of control we will want to hear this message again and again.

Image by rickz via Flickr

One of the terms that is used to describe the role of a pastor is that of the Old Testament watchman. In those times many cities were surrounded by walls. On these walls were men strategically placed so as to be able to let everyone know of an enemy approach. As far as I know, day and night, week in and week out, month by month and year by year, these watchmen were on duty. They were always on the lookout for the enemy whether there was a war on or not! In a metaphorical sense, all of God’s pastors must be like the Old Testament watchman.

Serious Business…

The watchman did not have a glamorous role. However, it was an important job and one that came with lots of responsibility. (Consider: Ezekiel 3:17, Ezekiel 33:6-7) Grave were the consequences of a lazy watchman. One mishap, and disaster could break through like a flood. When you study about the role of a pastor in the Bible, you come to the realization that this calling is very serious and not for the fainthearted!

Show Business…

In our society today, the role of a pastor has been degraded to that of celebrity status. Well known preachers are treated like some sort of superstar! Complete with big fancy automobiles and nice fat paychecks, many so-called pastors live it up like they were walking the “Red Carpet” with the well known individuals of Hollywood. Granted, pastors that fit this description are not reading this post, but we all have a tendency to make the most of the “Star Treatment” that we do get. Make no mistake about this… your name does not have to be on a big city church’s marquee to be guilty of being a celebrity!

Conclusion

Let each of us who claim the title of pastor be sure that we have more in common with the Old Testament watchman than we do with a Hollywood celebrity! Like Ezekiel of old, let us be God’s watchman for the people we have been entrusted with. May we endeavor to be looking ahead and leading our people in the right pathway. Shirking our duty by pampering ourselves will cost us dearly and consume those we serve!

Exploring People of the Old Testament: Volume 2 By Kregel Academic & Professional An incredible resource for anyone who desires to explore the meaning of God’s Word in greater depth, the John Phillips Bible Characters Series examines the lives of important Bible characters and shows how their lives are still applicable to today’s Christian. In this second volume, gain fresh insight into the lives of over 30 people from the Old Testament, including well-known characters such as Samson, Ruth, and Saul and lesser-known characters like Elimelech (Naomi’s husband) and Joab (David’s general).

Enjoy Your Children!

In the hustle and bustle of ministry we can miss the opportunity to enjoy the little things of life. Rushing from here to there all day can add up. Every now and then, it is good to slow down and enjoy the little things that make life worth living. Listed below are my top ten things to enjoy from time to time…

Take time to enjoy the following:

1. A letter from a friend – they took time to write you!
2. A, “Thank you!” from a church member – you made their day!
3. A time of prayer with someone – shared sweet communion!
4. A meaningful conversation with your spouse – it is much better than the few words spoken in a rush out of the door in the morning!
5. A, “Hey Brother Andrew!” from a child at church – they love you more than you realize!
6. A, “Daddy, would you play with me?” – they soon say, “Daddy, can I have twenty bucks?”
7. A fiery sunset – can be very therapeutic!
8. An unexpected gift from someone you helped – in all labor there is profit!
9. A good book by a brightly lit fire on the hearth – time slows to a crawl!
10. A nap before supper – a few minutes of sweet dreams can make your food that much sweeter!

Conclusion…

While it is important to be engaged in proper things, it is equally important to have some enjoyment along the way. Many pastors regret, later in life, how they spent too much time away from their homes. Most of the list above can be enjoyed in your home with your family. Remember to enjoy the little things!