That's Not My Mess

Pastor preached an incredible message yesterday on the worst kind of sin. Often, within the church, we categorize sins and we have a huge tendency to associate it with the behavior of others before looking at ourselves. Their sin is worse because of what I can visibly see externally in them, rather than what they can't see internally in me.

That right there, was the topic.

Pride.

The profound insight, is that pride is the one vice that leads to everything other kind. For many reasons this happens to be true, but primarily because whatever vice does come next in one's life, pride either says, it won't be a struggle for them, so it's okay or they won't get ensnared by it and thus, it's okay.

I didn't think about how to write on this, until a little over half an hour ago, when, as I was about to get ready up and write, then run off to work, my youngest daughter had a "clean-up on aisle 12" moment. Of course, I'm Dad and she's young, so there's not a whole lot of options to stand their and refuse to be a part of helping resolve the matter. Sure, I was a little frustrated, but doing nothing would have wreaked further havoc. Literally.

So it is with pride. There's a time to know when to stand one's ground, certainly, but at the same time, so much goes out the door when pride stands tall. Compassion, forgiveness, understanding, grace... acting too big to fail and too big to get involved and help cause big problems and in leadership, is detrimental to the health of an organization.

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors struggling in this area. For those that are not involved in matters where they should be, not wanting to be part of the solution; for those who are too involved and using their position or prominence to justify their behavior, thus perhaps leaving an open door for any kind of temptation... may God do a work in their heart and mind; that none of us are perfect, nor are we worthy of what God has given us and purposed for us to accomplish. Pray for a change of heart; where a lack of humility has stood in the way of grace, compassion and understanding with churches. May God do a healing work in relationships and circumstances where pride has caused a mess and where messes have been prolonged because pride has prevented people from stepping in and clean-up.

May the church become even more life Christ
Starting with leadership.
For the glory of God.

- PNC