As he reflects on thirty years of pastoring Scotty Smith characterises his journey in this manner: ‘Armed with answers to questions few were asking, I was more preoccupied with being right than being caring. Though a commitment to defending the truth and loving well are not mutually exclusive, it seems that spotting heresies required so much less of me than loving people. But over the course of the past thirty years, God has displayed his perfect patience and relentless providence in enabling me to accept my place alongside of Paul as “foremost sinner.” Indeed, His mercy has proven to be more than a match for my heart.’
He characterises this growth in the following ways, using Paul the Apostle as a model:
Gospel astonishment versus theological cockiness “I learned the lyric of the gospel long before I loved its music.”
Chief repenter versus former sinner “When, in writing to Timothy, Paul referred to himself as “foremost sinner,” he wasn’t engaging in hype or hyperbole.”
Preaching Christ to yourself versus preaching yourself “Paul never used an audience or epistle as a vehicle for self advertisement or personal aggrandizement.”
Read the whole post on the Ligonier Ministries Website.
At the Geneva Push (go to their website to find out who they are), Al Stewart states that ‘In 15 years of Christian work, I must confess to not having used time as well as I could have.’ in an article appropriately entitled ‘Don’t Waste Time’.
He reminds us that: ‘The good news about ministry is that we are only ever responsible for our own personal actions. We are not and indeed cannot be responsible for the actions of others – that is the good news. However, it is also the bad news. That is, we are responsible for what we do and God will hold us accountable for the use that we have made of our gifts and opportunities…’
The article is well worth reading, practical, covering how much time we spend watching TV and online, what time we spend with our families, how we structure time to meet with those who need encouragement and avoiding busyness (activity with no real kingdom productivity).
Some practical suggestions:
“I’ve heard it suggested that you should stand up while you are on the phone. This is very effective in limiting the time of phone calls. I’ve also heard that meetings should be held without chairs.”
“No one ever said on his or her deathbed, “I wish I watched more TV.” Late night TV is also no good for the purity of our thought life.”
“Online communication is great, and powerful, but often the most important piece of hardware you own for your computer is the off button – use it and then get out and see people face to face.” (Ouch)
“Each pastor in full time ministry should be made to listen to the song “Cat’s in the cradle” at least once a week.”
“A lot of pastors end up like the guy in my suburb who owns the fishing shop. He was very keen on fishing so he actually opened a fishing shop but now he sits in his fishing shop from early in the morning until late at night, and guess what he doesn’t get to do anymore? He is too busy running the shop to actually throw in a line.”
In summary:
1. Self discipline – redeem the time, don’t waste it, work hard with the time we have
2. Don’t neglect our families –if we have them, spend time with our wives (spouse) and children, especially when they are young.
3. Allocate our time to what is truly important – evangelism, prayer, Bible preparation and discipling.
4. Beware of busyness and activism – Be still and know that God is God.
Finally, a helpful article from 9Marks by Deepak Raju entitled ‘A Good Question for Your Pastor’s Sanctification’
Raju relates that he attends elder’s meetings during which those present question one another about their lives.
A recent example for the pastor: “If the devil were to ruin your ministry, what area of your life would he pursue?” And a follow-up question: “Whatever area of life is vulnerable, what are you doing right now to protect against the devil’s work?”
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