Judge Much?

For all the incredibly brave and noble people who fill and stand in the gap in all sorts of leadership roles, there are plenty who give it bad name, as well as do a less than stellar job, by seeking these rolls for the wrong reasons.

Sadly, pastors have done it... but worse, so have the advisors. And pastors have chosen people for wrong reasons just as people have desired the role for their own wrong reasons.

Also wrong... using the phrase "wrong reasons" four lines in row. But... you didn't notice that.

What concerns me, as well as complicates the reality of the matter, is the conversation we had a few days ago, regarding society's rush to judgement in nearly every arena of life. Not that we haven't been that way for quite some time, but it's gotten significantly more prevalent... no doubt due in part to the onslaught of social media.

The people you think desire leadership with honorable intentions and the decision makers and those who sit as a part of the process sometimes miss the mark. And the people who you thought didn't have an ounce of honorable intention in their soul end up being surprisingly on point. I didn't say perfect. All too often we demand what doesn't exist, then act surprised that our expectations weren't meant.

It truly is a strange phenomenon. But what do you expect from a flawed humanity?

So, on this #deaconThursday, pray that those who seek leadership roles, especially within the church, would indeed be people of honor and integrity; desirous to serve the community rather than satisfy their ego. Pray for discernment for the pastors and others who have input into who steps in advisory roles. Pray also for the church as whole; that we would exercise sound principles, understanding and reasoning when it comes to assessing people and circumstance. May we not rush to judgement, whether through condemnation or commemoration. Pray that we would speakers of truth because we are seekers of the truth.

And while we may make the decisions,
May God direct our steps
And illuminate our paths.
For the glory of God.

- PNC