I listened with interest when ESPN analyst Tom Jackson defended Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre's season ending interception by saying, "That's the thing about Brett Favre: He's not afraid to throw interceptions. You have to admire him for that."
That, I think, is what you would call "putting the best construction on everything". Oh, that I would love my embarrassing failures forgiven so graciously: "That's the thing about Pastor A: He's not afraid to be a lousy Christian witness when he yells at people who refuse to drive their cars up to his standards. You have to admire him for that."
I am grateful that my life is not played out to the analysis of ESPN co-hosts.
Sometimes, folks ask me what they can do to make my job more fruitful. "How can we help you, Pastor?" A great question! Matthew 7:12 says, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them." With that in mind, here are five things we can accomplish together. I for you, and you for me:
1. PRAY FOR ME. Nothing you can do is more powerful and effective.
2. PARTNER WITH ME. Ministry is a shared vocation. I need your help to share Jesus. So many people, so little money, and so few hands. Be part of the solution. I need you.
3. PERSUADE ME. Encourage me to do the right thing even when second best seems so much easier. Encourage me to continuously "raise the bar" in my own life and in the lives of those in the congregation.
4. PROTECT ME. Some find pleasure in attacking a leader's integrity or character. As in all things, before passing judgment, discuss appropriate issues directly with those involved. If the pastor, speak directly with the pastor.
5. PARDON ME. I am a simple man. I fall short. I need rest. My memory slips sometimes. Please bless me with grace as I serve the Lord with you.
"Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Co 15:58)
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