HOW TO BE A BLESSING TO YOUR PASTOR (1)

Some years ago, I would wake up to study and would be sighing at intervals. I would walk out into the night and begin praying for specific people I had the privilege to pastor. I had people in the church who were not growing. It was a tough one, having to address the same issues repeatedly. Today, when I see some of these beloved ones, I rejoice with great joy. Their transformation and growth is heartwarming.

There is great joy in the heart of every pastor who sees growth. It is always a pain when a church member remains at the same level. It is always tough having to address the same issues and patterns periodically. Sometimes, the same pattern shows up in different issues.

Apostle Paul had this same challenge with the Corinthian Church:

They were a heavily gifted church.

“So now you aren’t lacking any spiritual gift…” 1 Corinthians 1:7 TPT

Even though they were gifted, they also showed growth challenges.

“Brothers and sisters, when I was with you I found it impossible to speak to you as those who are spiritually mature people, for you are still dominated by the mind-set of the flesh. And because you are immature infants in Christ,”
1 Corinthians 3:1 TPT

How did this manifest? Let us examine some of it:

• Quarrels: “For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters.” 1 Corinthians 1:11 NLT
• Jealousy: “You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other….”1 Corinthians 3:3 NLT
• Sexual Immorality- “I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you—something that even pagans don’t do.” 1 Corinthians 5:1 NLT

For you to see how challenging these issues were for Apostle Paul, he asked them an interesting question:

“Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in a spirit of love and gentleness?”
1 Corinthians 4:21 GNT

Sometimes, a pastor can feel like some people deserve some real cane- their thinking, words, and actions are simply unscriptural. But like the Apostle Paul, you must still handle it with love and gentleness.

Dear believer, when a baby is born, we rejoice, but when the baby refuses to grow, the same becomes a burden. You will remain a huge concern if you still act like a baby in the assembly. Are you growing?

© temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa

–
Thank you for receiving God’s Word. Be the first to get daily updates. Join the WhatsApp Channel👇🏽👇🏽
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5RiAB4CrfZCPGdWs0b

–
To partner with ATOM in spreading the good news, support the monthly publication and FREE distribution of hard copies of the compass devotional; please visit >>>
https://temiloluwaola.com/partner/