Let’s face it, in this world people look down upon or judge people because they are different in age, race or gender. Furthermore it seems that people look down upon others because of the different accomplishments, socio-economic status or skills/talents. I want to write this blog post to encourage you to not let people look down on you because your church didn’t grow as fast as theirs or because you don’t have the same ministries or style of preaching or philosophy of ministry as they do. Don’t let people look down on you because you pastor a smaller church or have a smaller building or some other difference. Obviously we can’t stop people from being judgmental, nor can we retaliate when they are, rather this Scripture is about not allowing their judgments or their attitude to interfere with your and my obedience to Christ and what He has called us to do. Your position is just as important as theirs, your church, your preaching, your ministry is just as important as theirs. God has called each and every one of us to our own respective ministries because there is a present need and God has gifted us to meet that need in our context according to His plan.
So the next time you feel like “less” of a pastor because of some difference between you and “them” just stop, give thanks to God for the opportunities you have in front of you and pray that you and every other pastor you know will be faithful to the call God has placed upon us. We all have a unique ministry in a particular setting, and God planned it that way and it is beautiful what God will accomplish as we are faithful to our own task and as we don’t judge others or allow their judgements to impede our faithful perseverance.
Christ is with us, Christ is in us
Mike J
Pastor Encouragement 