One of the great fears of being a pastor and/or shepherd, in my humble opinion, is the consumption of time over the ministry, more specifically, may I add, the church in whom you are shepherding. A word like negligence is erected atop of this great fear like how a pastor is elevated on a Sunday's pulpit, ironically speaking. A word like priority seems variable due to the cause of micromanaged meeting after meeting; people's pained emotions almost demanding prayer; counseling the disdained from unsettling issues from past times; speaking on a Sunday's pulpit without fail-let alone the time and energy it takes to prepare such a sermon; and the list can go on.
I'm not here undermining a pastoral work, nor am I claiming these few listed things to be such an encumbrance as to nullify the importance of it all. Quickly now, what I am trying to convey is the simple fact that serving a congregation with such diligence and passion-all to be of great virtue- can lead to neglecting one's own family, spouse, other engagements, celebrations, and, dare I say, for all one knows, personal hygiene.
Priority may seem to be lost when mantled with love's call.
Dear Pastors, I commend, respect, admire, and honor your services before the church.
Aside from personal neglect of priority such as family or other engagements, I personally feel that this great fear comes from an ignorantly deserted precedence that super exceeds everything else that was listed above.
"If a pastor is far more concerned about the pews of a church being filled than the seats in Heaven, shame on you"- Reverend Benny Hinn.
As far as I'm concerned, rather, with absolute more importance, how the very Word of God is concerned, there are no pastors, or anyone that holds a "church title" for that matter, exempt from witnessing their faith in Jesus Christ; nor does a Sunday's act of service justify such a ridiculous notion of exemption: that is just pure laziness if one would use such a pretext.
*sigh* Who would really want to be a Pastor after counting such a great cost? I pray that when that moment in time comes for me, I'll be able to stand tall on the Rock who is immovable; rest in Him whom my refuge lies; and be daring enough to obey love's call and be compelled to compassion like none has ever seen.
In the end when it's all said and done, the fat lady has sung, the church is raptured, and Christ has returned, I hope there's a lazy boy couch engraved with my name, stamped: "Good and Faithful Servant" next to Jesus watching a replay of creation in Heaven for me.
Reality Check.
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