BE A BLESSING AND NOT A BURDEN TO YOUR PASTOR
There was a season in ministry that I would wake up in the middle of the night praying about the church. A whole lot that I could not place my finger on what was going on. As I prayed, I would pause, sigh, and sometimes groan. It was like a divided house. There was gossip also flying here and there. I had to choose between being a nice pastor or the right pastor. I had to choose between rubbing and massaging emotions or rubbing in the truth, even when it seemed hard. It was a stretching season.
Beloved, one of the things you must never be in a church is – a burden to your pastors. You must never be one that they think about and always have a deep groan. Let me give examples of those who are a burden to their pastors:
First, the never-growing baby- When a baby is born, there is the sound of rejoicing, but when a baby refuses to grow, they become a burden. The same matters your pastor addressed five years ago are those he still addresses today. It can be tiring, sir or ma.
Second, the entitled- You are not growing but still feel entitled because you have been in church for a long time. You desire to be worshipped because you have been in the house for years. People who came after you have really grown while you are still talking about how the church used to be very small and giving all the history. Face destiny and grow. Thank God for history.
Third, the gossip- This is pure evil in any organization, especially in the church. You must never gather in a private place to tear down another believer like “football analysts.” It is pure evil. Why? If you cannot lovingly raise your issues with the person, kindly keep quiet and pray for them. The biblical standard is to avoid offence, and if you are hurt, walk up to your brother or sister and speak.
Fourth, the casual attendee- For the past one year, you have been strolling in and out of the church. If it is indeed your Father’s house, you should show a higher level of commitment. Whatever you enjoy in a church is flowing from the sacrifices of others. Have you ever been in a relationship where you are the one giving it all while the other party watches you do it all? That’s exactly how you are behaving.
Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
Hebrews 13:17 NLT
May we all remain great blessings and not huge burdens. Amen.
temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa.