Tuesday November 4, 2008 Happy Birthday Roger! THE RIGHT REASONS
"Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear extra long tassels on their robes. And how they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the most prominent seats in the synagogue! They enjoy the attention they get on the streets, and they enjoy being called 'rabbi.' Don't ever let anyone call you 'rabbi,' for you have only one teacher, and all of you are on the same level as brothers and sisters. And don't address anyone here on earth as 'Father,' for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father. And don't let anyone call you 'Master,' for there is only one master, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Matthew 23:5-12 Well, I didn't write that! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Savior of the World, wrote that. How many times have you heard it preached from the pulpit in its entirety? In this race for the presidency, both candidates, at one point in time, used faith as a point of reference as to their good character. Yet, could you really see that in their walk and their talk? As you go to vote today are you going to vote for a man who is trying to exalt himself or is genuinely trying to better his country? If Jesus were here today, which candidate would be more comfortable around him? I've often wondered that about some of the preachers I know. Now, I won't go as far as Jesus, I don't believe every preacher is arrogant and proud, but I know a few who are. They may not wear prayer boxes, but they are mighty proud of how much scripture they can quote. There is a decided difference in knowing scripture and bragging about the fact that we know it. I believe we all need do to more memory work. That is what helped pull Corrie ten Boon through the darkness of a Nazi concentration camp. God's Word was literally written on her heart and she drew from it for her strength. If there is any message that I want to share with people, it is that God has taught me over the past nineteen years it is this: Pastors need to spend most of their time alone with God in prayer and the Word. They need under-shepherds to meet the needs of the people. However, they need balance. They don't need to be so separated from the needs of the people that they are uncomfortable being around them. They don't need to be so puffed up that they require special eating places away from them. They must remember that, although God has called them to preach the Word, as Jesus said, "all of you are on the same level as brothers and sisters." Larry Adcock, who was the General Manager of WDJC (a local radio station in Birmingham where I once worked) is a Pastor. He is the most humble man of God I have ever known. He is literally a servant leader. He expects more from himself than he expects from anyone. He doesn't consider himself to be "above" anyone. As a result God has exalted him. Larry is well respected by all who know him and many who have just heard of him. It boils down to this: respect your Pastor. Don't expect him to come to your bedside every time you are sick. Don't even expect him to preach your funeral. Personally, I have made the decision that I want members of my family and some of my friends to present my eulogy when I die - if they are able. I want them to share what they know about me and how I want all people to have a personal relationship with Jesus and help the hurting. Give your Pastor the time he needs to be alone with God so he can preach for the right reasons, and keep your eyes on Jesus! Father, I ask that You would help all of us to expect less of our Pastor and more from ourselves. Help us be Jesus' hand extended reaching out to hurting people who need a touch from You. Help us pray for our Pastors and expect them to have an intimate relationship with You. Help us to do the things we do for the right reasons - to glorify You! ******************************************* O. Addison Gethers e-mail address : [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] window live messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] aim: durangoadd64 skype: cowboys62 yahoo messenger: OADDISONGETHERS --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Deaf-Blind Inspirational Life Group" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/DBILG?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
