Called Out

For about as great a disdain as there exists in discussing religion and politics, especially among friends and family. Ranking right up with it, possibly even surpassing it, is the ability for people to tolerate hypocrisy in one's life as well; seemingly most often in the realm of religion and politics. And probably called out by friends and family more than anyone else as well, especially if they are on the "other side" of the matter as far as their own personal views or beliefs are concerned.

Add the ministry dimension into the conversation and you've simply raised people's awareness to be called to the mat, on just about every matter imaginable, whether professional or personally, on politics, faith and life in general.

However, it's the ones closest to us, that when a misalignment or a diversion exists in our lives that should cause us to pause and reflect... what is really going on in this realm and arena of life?

Is there truth to their argument or perspective?

Hard to swallow, though it may be, this is part of iron sharpening iron. One must be strong to speak up on matters; one must be just as strong to receive criticism on such matters. If done from a place of love and concern, then the justification to be offended should be low. If there is truth to the matter, our offense should be even lower.

Yet, often it is not. Our offense is high; especially if the criticism comes from a place where there isn't much of a relationship as a foundation from which one speaks. But God is at work in all of us; and He'll use whom He must to capture our attention and draw us closer to Himself and our reflection of the character of Christ. As difficult of a process as it can be to endure.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, would you join me in prayer? Pray that that God would draw each of closer to His presence, but especially those in ministry. May He guard their hearts and minds and the arenas of life where words and actions, beliefs and lifestyles don't align as they should with who God has called and desires us to live. Pray the spirit of offense would be far from the life of the believer and the ministry. May the power of God and the truth of His Word continue to come alive and impact our lives, much as a parent desires the truth to guide the lives of their kids. Pray pastors would not be blind to what God is doing in their lives, regardless of who or what may bring matters to their attention; nor would they be blind-sided by the affects of decisions, actions and words which are not called out in their lives and ministries.

For we are each being renewed daily.
And either moving closer to image of Christ
Or farther away from the image of Christ.
May we walk and move in the presence of God
Living and speaking truth.
As a witness to His grace and love.

- PNC

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