THE PREACHER’S ATTITUDE TOWARD POSSESSIONS, PROBLEMS, AND PRAYERS

This morning, I wrote a devotional on James 5.  It is directed to everyone, but I saw a poignant application for pastors.

First, consider  THE PREACHER’S ATTITUDE ABOUT STUFF (v.1-6). This deals with the matter of our possessions. Riches may dazzle the eye with the glitter of gold and glamor of garments, but faith enables us to see beyond these to eternity and realize that is the only place of real riches. Taking advantage of others for personal profit is but fattening ourselves for the day of slaughter. Greed will destroy a ministry!  While the pastor must supply the need of family, lest he be worse than an infidel (cf. 1 Tim.5:8), he must not be driven by the greed of luxury. Whatever we possess—little or much—we cannot let it possess us!

Further, note THE PREACHER’S ASSESSMENT OF SUFFERING (v.7-12).  This deals with the matter of our problems.  The preacher must be patient and persevere. We do not grumble about others who may not be experiencing the pain we know. Rather, we surrender to the will of God. I think of Peter, when told how he would suffer for Christ, pointed to John and said, “Lord, what about this man?”  Jesus rebuked him, “what is that to you?  You follow me!” (cf. John 21:21-22). Instead of looking at other preachers who appear successful, look into the Word and see examples of others who suffered—like the prophets and Job, who nevertheless remained steadfast. Remember God is compassionate and merciful. Never doubt it!  The final chapter of the story will be glory!  As the old saying goes, “All’s well that ends well!”

Finally, observe THE PREACHER’S APPRECIATION OF SUPPLICATION (v.13-20).  This deals with the matter of our prayers.  Rather than complain, carry your burdens to the Lord.  Prayer enables us to strongly stand publicly when we weakly kneel privately. Being cast down, lift up your prayer to God. Raise your voice in song to God and this will raise you up. Call upon others—especially fellow elders—to pray for you and with you. That prayer of faith will heal. It may deliver us from suffering now, but will assuredly deliver our souls from bitterness.  Sometimes, the suffering is the scourge of God for our sin. It is His loving chastisement to correct us. The prayer of confession then restores us. Elijah was a man of powerful prayer, but still a man. Preacher, you have no excuse for not accessing God’s power. Prayer equips us to reach the straying sheep and bring them back into the fold. What a day of rejoicing when the prayer is answered and the prodigal comes home!

OVERCOMING SPIRITUAL SLUGGISHNESS

How do you keep going when your get up and go got up and went?  Physical demand and emotional drain in Christian service can easily lead to spiritual sluggishness. You really do not have to do try to become sluggish. Call it “burnout,” if you will—a condition from burning the candle at both ends.  The writer of Hebrews tells us in chapter six, verses ten through twelve, how to overcome spiritual sluggishness.  You will notice the three great Christian virtues are mentioned: faith, hope, and love.

LABOR IN LOVE, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (v.10).  Ministry motivated by obligation alone becomes a drudgery and we look for ways to do the minimum. When we are driven by compassion, we discover a dynamic that maximizes effort.  We serve because we love God and love people. Even if we are not rewarded with man’s commendation here,  we know we will have the Master’s crowning hereafter!

ENDURE IN HOPE, “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,” (v.11).  Diligence is the opposite of sluggishness. It is the assurance of hope that inspires such effort. Hope rests confidently in an unchanging God.  Marathon runners are victorious when a burst of energy rises as they near the finish line.  Do you want to finish as a sluggish whiner or a strong winner?

IMITATE IN FAITH, “that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises,” (v.12). You must regularly take in the Word of God. As you ingest its principles and digest its promises, you will find faith nourished and growing. Others have done so and we can too!  Biblical stories are filled with the exploits of those who conquered by faith. Church history is replete with the examples of those who overcame by faith. Imitate them!  Such will inspire you and you will shed sluggishness like water on a duck’s back.

In closing, recall Paul’s charge, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart,” (Gal.6:9).

THE SERVANT OF THE LORD

 

Preachers should make much of Christ and be cautious not to make much of themselves. Some pastors have the capacity to strut while they sit and swagger as they sleep. They appear to read their press clippings as often as they read their Bible. Success to them is the number of “likes,” and “shares,” on social media and in the frequency of invitations to appear on a stage in some denominational event.

We are servants of the Lord. Some want to climb the ladder. Others want to ascend a pedestal. God’s expectation for us is in the opposite direction. We are here to take the basin and towel, stooping to serve, as did our blessed Lord!  There are some dirty feet in need of washing.  This is being like Jesus. 

BE PEACEABLE, and not pugilistic. “The servant of the Lord must not quarrel.”  There is much evil to fight against—inside us, in the hearts of the church members, and especially in our fallen world. Yet, do not be famous for your feuds. Have an open hand to lift others instead of a clenched fist to slug them. Don’t go looking for trouble. It will find you often enough without your aid.

BE GENTLE, and not harsh.  Paul says, “be gentle to all.”  Some may be characterized as “a bull in a china shop.”  They may not build a church up, but have a proven track record of knowing how to blow it up!  Picture a physician who treats a child with a broken bone. He does not grab their shattered limb and jerk them around—only increasing the pain and compounding the damage. Rather, he gently sets the bone in place, stabilizes it, and facilitates healing. We have many broken people in our pews who need such gentle care.

BE CAPABLE, especially in teaching. The Apostle says God’s servant is “able to teach.”  If a pastor cannot feed the flock, then he cannot shepherd them. We may lack competency in many areas, but we cannot be ineffective communicators. Our position calls for teaching the truth. God has spoken through His Word and uses his men to proclaim it with authority, clarity, urgency, and to do so capably.  You may not be the best, but you cannot afford to be bad. Teaching is a gift, but also a skill that can be improved if we labor at it.

BE DURABLE, and not given to quitting. We are to be “patient.”  The farmer in the field knows he cannot sow seed and reap a crop the next day. There is a season of dealing with drought, facing a deluge, winds that blow, weeds to pull, bugs to kill, varmints to stop, disease to fight, and then the work of gathering the harvest. Our church field will be like that. Do not give up or give out. Claim this promise, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart,” (Gal.6:9).

Dear God, 

Will you strengthen your servants today who shepherd your flock. May your peace abide in them and cause them to be peacemakers and not troublemakers. As you have been gentle to us, remind us to be tender with the broken. When we stand to speak, enable us to be effective.  To the disheartened man out there who is contemplating quitting, renew his patience.

In the Name of the Model Servant, Jesus Christ,

Amen!