CAN A PASTOR ASK YOU NOT TO COME TO CHURCH?
Domingo Ivan Casaņas
May 16, 2006
CHALLENGES IN OUR WALK
As Christians we must remember that we also need to get to know our Pastors or Priests personally. I know this because I have lived it first hand. I was Blessed to have met a Pastor that brought me to understand Jesus ways. On the other hand it was that same Pastor that I had a falling out with because of his Politics, and his decision to ask me to not attend Church because of his own personal ill feelings toward me instead of having God?s grace. We must remember that they are human beings also; hopefully we find one that has been given God?s grace to preach, counsel, and love his sheep. Not one that is portrayed in Galatians 6:3 as ?anyone that thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deceiving his own mind.?
We all go thru tribulations and Pastors and Priests are no exception. Satan is always waging war from within. What is sad at times is when we hear a Pastor bashing another Pastor and making other Pastors take sides, without having God?s Grace to know the other side. This is sad and unfortunately it happens even in our own backyard between some Pastors. This type of persecution is sad to witness. It is even sadder to see the sheep that follow such a Pastor will put their blinders on and take sides without knowing all the facts. Intimidation, lies and exaggeration will not bring any Blessings to such a Pastor. Prayer is the answer that will resolve any tension and it is up to the other Pastors in the community to search out the truth and not take only one side of the argument. God would want Pastors to come together and embrace each other not be against each other.
Most of the trials we face today involve normal everyday anxieties. Personality differences and petty jealousies can strain relationships and even threaten the peace of a congregation. How important it is for us not to give up, but to put peace ahead of pride, as did Abraham, and seek the interests of others! (1Corinthians 13:5 ; James 3:17). Being peaceable can be a challenge when we feel that a fellow Christian has unjustly treated us. Proverbs 12:18 says: ?There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword.? The pain is even greater if we feel that we have been slandered or made the victim of cruel gossip. But as a Christian we cannot allow hurt feelings to cause us to give up! If you are in such a situation, pray and take the initiative to correct matters by speaking or sending a note to the offending one. Be inclined to forgive that person. (Colossians 3:13) By letting go of resentment, we make it possible to heal both our own emotions and our relationship with our brother. Remember Abraham and Lot?
The life of Abraham teaches us Christians many lessons. He showed not only faith, but patience, shrewdness, courage, and unselfish love. He gave the worship of God priority in his life. Also when we look at our Savior Jesus Christ he too faced numerous trials and tests, but through them all, he never lost his joy. The reason is because they both kept their mind focused on the hope ahead. With the right mental attitude, with a good heart and a non-selfish attitude, we can find joy despite obstacles that Satan may throw our way. God wants us to succeed. So put your full trust in God and persevere in prayer. The bottom line is that no matter if you are the Shepherd or the Sheep we must remember that God is the only one that will Judge our hearts so repent when it comes to hurting others and allow God?s grace to melt away any bitterness that you may carry toward others. May God Bless You All.
As Christians we must remember that we also need to get to know our Pastors or Priests personally. I know this because I have lived it first hand. I was Blessed to have met a Pastor that brought me to understand Jesus ways. On the other hand it was that same Pastor that I had a falling out with because of his Politics, and his decision to ask me to not attend Church because of his own personal ill feelings toward me instead of having God?s grace. We must remember that they are human beings also; hopefully we find one that has been given God?s grace to preach, counsel, and love his sheep. Not one that is portrayed in Galatians 6:3 as ?anyone that thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deceiving his own mind.?
We all go thru tribulations and Pastors and Priests are no exception. Satan is always waging war from within. What is sad at times is when we hear a Pastor bashing another Pastor and making other Pastors take sides, without having God?s Grace to know the other side. This is sad and unfortunately it happens even in our own backyard between some Pastors. This type of persecution is sad to witness. It is even sadder to see the sheep that follow such a Pastor will put their blinders on and take sides without knowing all the facts. Intimidation, lies and exaggeration will not bring any Blessings to such a Pastor. Prayer is the answer that will resolve any tension and it is up to the other Pastors in the community to search out the truth and not take only one side of the argument. God would want Pastors to come together and embrace each other not be against each other.
Most of the trials we face today involve normal everyday anxieties. Personality differences and petty jealousies can strain relationships and even threaten the peace of a congregation. How important it is for us not to give up, but to put peace ahead of pride, as did Abraham, and seek the interests of others! (1Corinthians 13:5 ; James 3:17). Being peaceable can be a challenge when we feel that a fellow Christian has unjustly treated us. Proverbs 12:18 says: ?There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword.? The pain is even greater if we feel that we have been slandered or made the victim of cruel gossip. But as a Christian we cannot allow hurt feelings to cause us to give up! If you are in such a situation, pray and take the initiative to correct matters by speaking or sending a note to the offending one. Be inclined to forgive that person. (Colossians 3:13) By letting go of resentment, we make it possible to heal both our own emotions and our relationship with our brother. Remember Abraham and Lot?
The life of Abraham teaches us Christians many lessons. He showed not only faith, but patience, shrewdness, courage, and unselfish love. He gave the worship of God priority in his life. Also when we look at our Savior Jesus Christ he too faced numerous trials and tests, but through them all, he never lost his joy. The reason is because they both kept their mind focused on the hope ahead. With the right mental attitude, with a good heart and a non-selfish attitude, we can find joy despite obstacles that Satan may throw our way. God wants us to succeed. So put your full trust in God and persevere in prayer. The bottom line is that no matter if you are the Shepherd or the Sheep we must remember that God is the only one that will Judge our hearts so repent when it comes to hurting others and allow God?s grace to melt away any bitterness that you may carry toward others. May God Bless You All.
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