People Of Understanding

We all seek to have people in our lives who are understanding. And yet the adage is true; it is harder to seek to understand before being understood. We all want to go first; rarely do we desire to go second.

Understanding is an interesting concept. Things may not necessarily make sense, but understanding implies that when something is explained, we can see how certain conclusions or places of decisions were arrived... even if we haven't experienced it first hand.

Depending on your role in life, sometimes understanding is easier to come by than others. For as a famous comedian once said regarding parenting; we aren't interested in justice. We want quiet!

I think though, the some of the most powerful places of understanding take place in marriage. While you are two people, with your own interests and friends and responsibilities, you are, at the same time, living a single life of togetherness. Conflict and tension is inevitable as there is a process of two things being made into a single unit.

Perhaps more than any other person in the world, people desire to be understood by their spouse. And at times, the desire to understand first, is greater than one's own desire to be understood.

This has always been my concern, when I've thought about the life of ministry. The demands and responsibilities of life are great on their own and we don't always understand the decisions our spouses make. (pick any topic here that fits)

Yet when ministry demands are added to the mix, there's a whole other element of priorities and responsibilities that are added to the equation If a marriage doesn't already have a solid foundation of communication skills when it comes to matters of understanding, then ministry has the incredible opportunity to become a source of tension and frustration than one of blessing, love and compassion. For one will go give of themselves for the cause of Christ while the other stands tempted to despise the cause for the problems it creates.

All marriages have rough places. Ministry is no different.
Romantic relationships aren't always as beautifully written as the Hallmark channel.

(which as wonderful as they are, is probably for the best)

If marriage is to function as a team and present as a united front, how much more for marriages in ministry, as they work to advance the cause of Christ together?

So, let's pray together, this #associatePastorTuesday, for pastors whose marriages are in trouble; perhaps weighed down from the very responsibilities and demands of ministry. May God quicken their hearts and minds and strengthen their resolve; to remain committed and work out their differences. Pray the Holy Spirit continue to move and work within us; that the desire to understand those around us, especially spouses, would be greater than our own desire to be understood. Pray that peace, love and compassion would start at home... even when the kids aren't quiet and the desire for justice among them is lost. May the impact of ministry not be hindered by our own flesh standing in the way... though the situations and priorities are important, may God help those who are having difficulty finding balance; in their marriage and their ministry and whatever may get caught and suspended in the overlap. Pray the grace of God would cover it all.

For He knows where we are.
And He knows what He has called us to do.
He works in the lives of those around us
As much as He does our own.
So we pray and trust Him to accomplish the miraculous;
Starting with our own self.
For His glory and the cause of Christ.

- PNC

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