The Rise Matters More

There's a problem with a strong sense of self-awareness. Probably a few. And I guess, it's probably not so much a problem as it is, an ongoing struggle of realization, work and growth... repeatedly. 

It's the fact that while we hope and strive to be the best that we can be; not compared to others, but to what we know to do and to be who God has called us to be; yet knowing how badly we miss the mark. Royally miss.

Is it difficult to watch those in positions of influence and leadership fall and fail? Yes. And it's not the stuff that makes national news or spreads church-wide or even that which stays within the four walls of the home.

Goodness does not make perfection. It does however make plenty of room for improvement.

I'm not the greatest dad. Despite my youngest child's continual affirmation that I am... in her heart and mind. Yet, nothing hits harder than the moment where I realize that if I were watching myself from the outside, that "that moment" was not a "best Dad" moment.

And I think we do the same with pastors over every ministry, but especially with youth. The impressionable mind doesn't miss much, despite the parents understanding to the contrary.

"It's trash. You know it's trash. It was in your hand. How did you not throw it away?" (a recent conversation with a kid)

I think part of the appreciation that we find ourselves possessing for great leaders is knowing full well that they understand that greatness did not come overnight. It was a long process and it was significant amount of time and investment towards continual learning and improvement. Indeed, pride does go before a fall and those are the ones we often don't mind remaining low. However, humility is becoming and it's those leaders in which we desire to see overcome and rise again; greater and better than they were before.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that there would indeed be a humility about our lives, as we lead kids and young people, both in the faith and life as pastors at church and spiritual leaders at home. While pastors strive not to fail, pray that more importantly that would strive to never quit. May there be a grace and strength about their lives to walk in humility before God and walk in wisdom before those they lead. Pray that they would not be a source of frustration and struggle to youth, but rather a source of courage and power; that they are not defined by their faults and failures, but by who they are in Christ and what they accomplish for His glory with the talents He has given them and the calling He has placed on them.

For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC