I have been mercifully humbled of recent concerning my present inadequacy in serving the church as an elder. I think I knew this before, but wasn't too worried. I reasoned that I'm not an elder yet; I have a few years left before seminary is over, right? No hurry. And even when I'm done, I'll work out the kinks my first years. I can't be perfect, anyway.
The Lord has pointed out the presumption, laziness, immaturity, misunderstanding and lack of reverance and zeal in these thoughts -- all things unbecoming of an elder or elder-to-be. I am thankful for this scolding, and my prayer is that it stays before me for years.
Spurgeon discouraged/encouraged me in his Lectures to My Student, "The Minsiter's Self-Watch." He holds the standard incredibly high (discouraging). But, then Spurgeon encouarges those whom God calls to ministerial labor to "endeavor to get grace that we may be strengthened into fitness for our position" (encouraging).
Pray for me, that I might receive this grace and be made adequate. Pray that I would discipline myself for the purpose of godliness, that my efforts would be as noble as the end for which I desire (1 Tim 3-4). Praise the Lord, as well, knowing that wherever he places me, he has created me in Christ Jesus for good works and gone ahead to prepare them so that I may walk in them. As I quoted earlier, everything is subservient to my salvation.
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1 comment:
Dave, it's good to read these honest words. I feel exposed and inadequate before the Lord frequently.
"I am thankful for this scolding, and my prayer is that it stays before me for years."
Amen Brother.
I'm posting my blog on blogspot now btw.
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