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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

sinners, sinners everywhere

I've been disappointed by some people.  They didn't do what I wanted them to do; they didn't do what I thought God wanted them to do.  They've heard the scriptures; they gather regularly in worship; they say they want to do the Lord's will.  And bottom-line, I think they missed the mark.

I know that sounds judgmental.  I don't mean it that way.  It's more sadness mixed with frustration.

What am I supposed to do?  Should I stop associating with them?  Should I only get together with the ones who seem to "get it?"  Should I pray for them to go away?  Or more actively try to get them to go away?  Should I confront them more forcefully?  Should I try to convince them more winsomely?  Should I be patient and continue to love them with consistency and grace?

What do you think?

Oh, did I mention that I love these people and I've been called to be their pastor?  They are family to me.

Oh, and there are a lot of days I don't do what I think I should do or what I think God wants me to do... many days I miss the mark.  So, yes, I do have patience with them, because I'm right there with them.

Oh sorry, did you think I was talking about church politics and voting and some presbytery out there somewhere?  Maybe they were on my mind, too, but then they reminded me of my own congregation... the ones I love... the ones God has called me to pastor.

I guess I don't see the distinction.  I am where God has called me to be.

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