A Critical Response

I read a meme on social media last night, only to discover I was unable to find it again when I got ready to sit and type. That said, the essence of it was this.

Be careful who you listen to.

The post relayed the story of an new associate pastor who was asked to preach. After the message, a parishioner approached him and offered some critical words After everyone had left, the senior pastor offered his words of encouragement. And in that moment, a choice had to made.

Whose words would carry the most weight?
Whose words would be the focal point, as an emotional, mental and physical response was crafted?
Whose words would gain influential status as a course of action is planned and the next steps are taken?

It's easy... when our confidence is uncertain, our skills untested, our abilities unknown to listen to the discouragement because it seems to support our current reality, rather than the encouragement that points to future possibility.

Nevertheless, can I encourage you... focus on the encouragement. There's a time for criticism, especially when it's constructive and offered in a spirit of love and support. Over time, even the criticism that isn't offered with that mindset, can still be helpful if received from a mature perspective. Meanwhile, however, regardless of the present reality and the frustrations that may surround it, the encouragement is the fuel that not only propels people to continue but also motivates them to do and be greater for the future possibility that awaits that stands to become reality if they would persevere.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray that pastors would indeed be encouraged, receive encouragement and focus on that encouragement, regardless of the struggles of their current reality. May they not be dissuaded, discouraged or derailed, but daily walk in the knowledge and confidence of God and the calling He has placed upon them for the purpose of ministry. Pray for strength and wisdom in the coming days and weeks, for those that are facing difficult decisions and prospects. May God guide their steps and the Holy Spirit grant them discernment as to best handle, act and respond to the things that need to be dealt with now and the hopes and dreams of what awaits down the road.

Encouraged,
For God has not given us a spirit of fear.
And He corrects those He loves.
Thus we stand assured;
If God be for us, who can be against us?
For with Him, all things are possible.

- PNC