Treasures & Inheritances

Can I just confess...

Some days, I'm really not liking what's coming forth in these #pray4pastors posts. It's not that I think they are bad (although, I'm certain there are days that some posts read better or hit harder than others and from your perspective, you may notice a difference in quality.)

I am speaking specifically about some of these hit hard. I understand that. Sometimes the realization comes as I'm developing a thought-proccess that I sense God has highlighted; other times it comes as I'm writing.
 
There are times when it feels as though I'm giving myself the proverbial, spiritual whack to the back of my head (a la NCIS' Gibbs) more than we encouraging and praying for pastors.

I know a few weeks ago, perhaps even on a Wednesday, we talked about children being an inheritance from the Lord and letting that direct how we parent. For whatever reason, I got into that line of thinking again yesterday and if you'll permit me the analogous stretch; it applies to the church as well.

If the body of believers are referred to as the children of God, then how we interact with each other as a church-community should also reflect that fact are an inheritance. What happens to me affects you and vice-versa, as we are each a part of the kindgom of God. What's more it should affect how we are directed by church leaders and pastors, as they shepherd us. Are they not stewards of the lives and souls that have been entrusted to their ministry?

Yet they too, are a part of the same inheritance; the same kingdom. What does it say about the body of Christ that neglects to care for and uplift their leadership... whether in notes of encouragement, engaging in conversation, or praying daily as called to through this site?

Of course as we do, so, let us not forgot... the next generation is watching. They are learning. And as I was reminded even just the other day by my own child... they will use what we do and say to justify the behavior they display in their own life. If that's true at the family level, how much more, will that influence what happens at the congregational level?

So... join me in prayer, once again?

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray God's divine help. By the day and by the hour, may we be people led by the Spirit, in our relationships. Whether with family or friends, within an organization or in a church setting, would God grant us the strength and wisdom to reflect and display Christ as we interact, encourage and challenge each other. Pray, we would spur one another towards love; that we would not provoke anger, neither in our brothers and sisters-in-Christ, nor or children. Pray pastors would effectively lead us in our walks with God and His purposes of our lives. Conversely, pray the church would do better to minister and uplift those God has placed over us. May we neither deny nor neglect the importance pastors play in our lives; that the balance in how they steward the body of Christ is just as great as how the body cares for its' leaders.

For our identity is in Christ.
We are new creatures
Called according to His purpose.
We are His children,
On display to world, desperately in need of a Savior.
May we engage that truth
And witness the transformation of many lives,
As souls step into eternity.
For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC