THERE’S HOPE FOR THE CHURCH THAT EXALTS THE SAVIOR: Our Participation in Worship

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16 NKJV)

Some church folks apparently think that the mere act of attending a church service is an end in itself.  They think of worship as a spectator sport where they occupy the stands as fans and cheer (or boo) the performers—the preacher and singers—and hopefully leave entertained.  While I am thankful for those who show up—that only involves potentiality for worship.  What is needed is participation in worship!

This is a privilege and a precept—not an optional part of the Christian life.  It is not a choice; it is a command.  Since worship will be the order of eternity, if we do not desire to worship now perhaps we ought to skip heaven—we won’t like it!  Worship is what the saints do up there!  We are training for that exciting prospect—or we should be.

You might argue, “The services I’ve been in seemed more like the infernal than the inspirational.”  Then, it wasn’t worship.  There is an order of worship that is proper—the only acceptable kind to God which Jesus described as, “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). 

There is the objective element of truth, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…” where in sermon and song the truth is to be paramount.

Then, we have the subjective experience of the spirit, “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”  We engage both the head and the heart.

I love the Berkley translation of Colossians 3:16a, “Let the enriching message of Christ have ample room in your lives.”   Are we seriously giving the Lord plenty of space to speak to us on Sunday mornings?  Or does what we cram in there on Monday through Saturday close the door of our thoughts to a Word from God?   We must beware minds cluttered by distraction or hearts choked by disobedience.

The wisdom of God is available in the Word of God.  Don’t impoverish your soul!  We need both instruction on what to do and admonition about what not to do.  If we are always told about what we ought to do and not the way to do it (teaching), we become legalists, but if we are never told there are things we shouldn’t do (admonishing), we become liberals.  I don’t want to be either!

Then, there is the vital expression of worship through our music.  If we are looking for music to please our preferences then we are misguided.  Music is to praise our God in psalms and hymns and to edify our brothers in spiritual songs that impart grace.

Too often we get bent out of shape about music style.  The substance is most crucial—not the style!  The text is more important than the tune.  It’s not about the melody that entertains, but the message that edifies.

So you ought to participate in the music—even if you can’t carry a tune in a bucket!  You can make melody in your heart!  Mouth and meditate on the message even if you are a monotone. 

I can’t help but sing.  Last Sunday I was hoarse from sickness—and reason told me to restrain my singing to save my voice for the sermon.  But, I couldn’t help myself.  There was a song inside that demanded to be let out—and the next thing you know I was belting it out!  Nobody is going to vote for me on “American Idol” and offer me a recording contract—but, I believe God enjoyed it!  And, after all, it is about Him!

This Sunday, don’t be an absentee from the service—and don’t be apathetic in the service.  Your attitude will make the sermon and songs seem better.  The proper focus on blessing God will bless those around you—and you will find an amazing thing—you will be blessed also!

THERE’S HOPE FOR THE CHURCH THAT EXALTS THE SAVIOR: Our Preparation for Worship

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.  ‎But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  ‎And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:12-15 NKJV)

This is what we need to put on as we go to church.  These are attitudes of the heart that prepare us to meet with God corporately. 

“Therefore…” based on who we are in Christ (v.1-11): risen with Him, dead to the old life—a brand new creation, we are to be transformed in our entire being—the clearest evidence being our attitudes toward others.  This is befitting a child of God, chosen out of the world by the Father’s love, “as the elect of God, holy and beloved.”

Before you come to the worship service make sure you, “put on tender mercies.”  Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” We need to cut each other some slack.  I desperately need mercy from God, and appreciate it from others, so I can only have it if I share it!

“Put on…kindness.”  More important than putting on hairspray or cosmetics, put on a kind face.  Charles Stanley, Pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta has had a global outreach through In Touch Ministries.  But do you know what greatly influenced his life?  More than anything that he was taught, he had a Sunday School teacher he recalls was so kind to a group of boys.  Sometimes a little means a lot!

“Put on…humility.”  The proud church member wants the spotlight on them, but the humble want it on God.  Do you come to worship seeking pats on the back instead of offering praises to God?

“Put on…meekness.”  The meek are not demanding, insisting on his or her way.  They are eager to compromise preferences where no principle is involved.  Wouldn’t that stop a lot of church fights?

“Put on…longsuffering; bearing with one another.”  The longsuffering are patient with people and not bitter toward God.  The reality is that some folks in the church are rather easy to love—and some you just have to put up with…but God does so with us, and we must bear with others.

Those ready for worship are forgiving (v.13).  You can’t offer acceptable worship otherwise—Jesus said to leave your gift at the altar and be reconciled to your brother.  It is hard to sit on a pew and worship God with someone with whom you are mad. 

“Love” is the belt that holds your ensemble together (v.14).  Don’t leave home without it!

Then there will be peace inside us that leads to unity in the Body.  Hearts in harmony with God’s commands lead to a congregation in harmony with each other. 

We’ll have a thankful spirit.  That’s a well-dressed Christian!  If you want to come to church to critique what goes on instead of looking to express worship and extend love, you certainly are going to be able to find fault for even at our best there will be some at their worst.

It’s really a choice.  Did you hear about the grumpy looking fellow who with gruff voice came into the seafood restaurant and asked the waitress, “Do you serve crabs?”   Her answer was, “Oh yes sir, we’ll serve anybody!”  And we will do so at the church…we’ve been doing in for 2,000 years.

Make sure you are preparing your heart for worship and that when you come to church this Sunday morning—be a well-dressed Christian!  Then we’ll all be thankful.

THERE’S HOPE FOR THE CHURCH: Exalting the Savior

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.  ‎But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  ‎And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  ‎Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:12-17 NKJV)

Last Sunday was Groundhog Day!  Remember the movie? The character Bill Murray played kept reliving the same day, over and over and over.  At first it was a novel experience, but soon he became utterly bored with it.

Do you ever feel that way about a church service? 

That ought not to be!  What we do is too important and our time is too precious. 

Before I point any fingers anywhere else, I must ask, “Is it the preacher’s fault?”  Sometimes it is.  If I’m not prayed up and fired up—can I really expect anybody else to be?  So, I’m willing to look into the mirror and do the hard evaluation—what about you?  The fact is sometimes it’s your fault.

There will be people who leave the next worship service and say, “Well, I didn’t get anything out of that!” 

Maybe there’s the problem—we think worship is about us—how we feel and what we experience.  It’s not about you!  Worship is about Him! 

Many churches succumb to this pressure and try to put on a show—man-centered entertainment.  Our focus instead is to be God-centered, Christ-exalting, Spirit-empowered, Gospel oriented.  That is the kind of worship described by Paul in Colossians 3:12-17.   A byproduct of our blessing God is His blessing of us.  That is a church that will be filled with hope—a church that exalts the Savior!

THERE’S HOPE FOR THE CHURCH: Encountering the Eternal

 “And He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ So I answered, ‘O Lord GOD, You know.’ ” (Ezekiel 37:3 NKJV)

To listen to many Christians talk today, you would think that things are hopeless.  If you visited a lot of churches, you’d wonder about it too—they seem pretty hopeless. 

There was a preacher named Ezekiel who was basically placed in a graveyard and told to preach to the bones.  Many a pastor has stood and gazed upon a congregation with similar depressing thoughts. 

But when the Word of God was proclaimed, the Spirit of God brought life! 

4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!  ‎

5 Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.  ‎

6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.” ’ ”  ‎

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone.  ‎

8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.  ‎

9 Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” ’ ”  ‎

10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.  ‎

11 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’  ‎

12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.  ‎

13 Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves.  ‎

14 I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,” says the LORD.’ ” (Ezekiel 37:4-14)

There is hope, after all! 

Worship is that transforming encounter with the Eternal.  The first-century saints were alive because of such vibrant worship that focused on Christ.  There is hope for the church that exalts the Savior!

THE SHEPHERD’S STANDARD: The Reputation Among Men

“A bishop then must be… Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:2, 7 NKJV)

How do people in the world see me?  Our reputation either undergirds or undermines our ministry.  Am I seen as a hypocrite—saying one thing on Sunday in the church and living a different way on Monday in the community?

There is no way to effectively reach the lost, if I engage in wickedness while professing holiness.  Sinners may not like what I have to say and what I stand for, but I can have their respect if there is a visual consistency of conduct that connects with the verbal message I communicate.

How people see us in the world will cause us to be either a stumbling block or a stepping stone.  We will prove to be bridges to bring people to Christ or barriers to turn them away.  God help us!

“A good testimony,” is one where the pastor’s words and works are in harmony.  We must share a testimony with our lips, but that will be reinforced or ruined by what we say with our life.  Actions do speak louder than words—an old cliché, but nonetheless true, despite its familiarity.  When all is said and done, I fear there is more said, than done—especially from the pulpit!

The saddest thing of all is that God is grieved by our hypocrisy.  That is something He hates.  But it is also tragic that others are repulsed by it.  We must know that even the hypocrite suffers from it, as we “fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

The pastor called to shepherd God’s flock has a high standard set for him.  But, we must, in the power of the Holy Spirit commit to it.

A PRAYER

Holy God,

Have I given the enemy an occasion to blaspheme?  Forgive me!  Do you mourn, while Satan laughs at the inconsistencies of my life?  Lord, have mercy!  Deliver us from hypocrisy.  Make us to have a credible testimony—all the way to the end.  Never let us stumble!  If it could happen to David, it can happen to me—and with what bitter fruit!  Too many of your men have found themselves on the spiritual casualty list—grant us grace to overcome and stay true!
In the Name of the Great Shepherd, Jesus,
Amen.

THE SHEPHERD’S STANDARD: The Importance of Maturity

“A bishop then must be… not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:2, 6 NKJV)

What about Paul?  As soon as he was converted, he began to preach Jesus.  But, we must not argue from the exceptional rather than acknowledging the typical.  Few are like Paul!  Another salient point is this—even though he began to preach immediately, his leadership of the church only began after a period of seasoning.  So, he practiced what he preached.

To be "puffed up with pride" in the Greek literally means to be obscured in smoke—the smokescreen of pride.  Such a man is, “inflated with self-conceit and exaggerated ideas of his own importance, he cannot see himself or others in the true light (1 Ti 6:4; 2 Ti 3:4).”^[1] He thinks more highly of himself than he ought.  That is the road to ruin.

This is the hubris exemplified in those who built and steered the Titanic.  Thinking it unsinkable—that not even God could sink it—the tragic consequences are well known.  Our world is full of icebergs as the ship of the church sails these waters.  When a man relaxes his watch, then danger is imminent.  The inexperienced are more likely to be caught offguard.

This term makes me think of our expression, “blowing smoke.”  There are a lot of preachers that do that—not just the young, of course—but that is a particular weak spot for many novices.

“Ancient leadership ideology required leaders to be tested in lower offices, to demonstrate their skills before being promoted….”^[2]   If you want to wreck a company, put someone in as CEO who is a young “hotshot,” gifted, yet inexperienced.  They will likely become intoxicated with power and their arrogance not tempered by maturity will be their downfall—bringing down the company as well—or, at the least, setting it back.  Many a church has been damaged or destroyed the same way.

A PRAYER

Ancient of Days,

You know all things—the end from the beginning.  You never get in a rush.  As Your Word declares in Ecclesiastes, there is a season for all things.  For all the young men called into ministry, let them be patient and “wait” on You.  May they give themselves to discipline to learn and grow until such a time as they are ready to serve in leadership.  Help Your churches not pick green fruit, jeopardizing the potential of the novice, and threatening the church itself.  For all Your mature men who have so much to share, stir them to invest in young men.
In Christ’s Name and for His Sake,
Amen.

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^[1] Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1 Ti 3:6). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[2] Keener, C. S. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament (1 Ti 3:6–7). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

THE SHEPHERD’S STANDARD: The Value of Experience

“A bishop then must be…one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:2,4-6 NKJV)

The experiences a man has in leading his family have great value in preparing him for effective ministry in the church.  That does not mean that a single man cannot be a pastor.  Would you think that the Apostle Paul would be a poor pastor?  What about Jesus?  Neither was married, but both would be eminently qualified to lead a local church—and Jesus preeminently!

Yet, having said that, relationships in the home and the direction of our spouse and children are experiences which are very helpful.  Roman Catholicism takes the approach, that unless you are celibate, you cannot serve as a clergyman.  These verses directly contradict that.

Experience is a great educator—not just in the home, but every dimension of life.  This is why the novice is excluded from serving as a pastor.  He hasn’t had enough life lessons under his belt to prepare him to do ministry in the real world.  Even the failures of life convey important truths that help the pastor grow and serve.  We gain wisdom from walking with the mature—it is a journey with no instant attainment.  It takes time.

So the office of the pastor is sometimes referred to as an “elder.”  This is not strictly a matter of biological age, for Paul was writing to a young man Timothy, who was spiritually maturing and intent on continuing on that course.  I’ve also known a few older preachers who were still big babies!

We must recognize that there is a special peril for the young.  Older men aren’t exempt from it—but young pastors are in the Devil’s crosshairs.  It is this business of pride.  How tempting it is for a young man to let his position go to his head, and be foolish enough to believe all those nice things people tell him going out the door after the sermon.

This sin is so horrible that it turned a beautiful angel into a devil.  Pride can ruin us.  Humility marks the mature man.  Scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Pet.5:b)  Pastors have enough resistance from the congregation—they surely don’t want to be resisted by God!  They need all the grace they can have—and only the humble receive it!

A PRAYER

Father of Light,

Every good and perfect gift comes from You, and one of the best is wisdom.  How we need it!  Yet, You demand that we ask in faith—that we realize we know so little and You must teach us.  How else can we teach others?  Thank You for the life lessons conveyed through experiences—even the painful ones.  Grow us in grace!  Make us seasoned servants.
In the Name of Our Elder Brother and Teacher, Jesus Christ,
Amen.

THE SHEPHERD'S STANDARD: The Oversight of Children

“A bishop then must be…one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)…” (1 Timothy 3:2,4-5 NKJV)

There is an art and skill in leading a family.  God sets the perfect pattern, which pastors are to emulate in their home.  Though no mere mortal can attain that, we must strive for it, and thus, give a model to the membership. 

We are reminded that there is an art and skill in leading the flock. 

For Christians, the church and the home are one. We should oversee both of them with love, truth, and discipline. The pastor cannot be one thing at home and something else in church. If he is, his children will detect it, and there will be problems. ^[1]

Pastors are to “rule” their house.   Greek scholar, A.T. Robertson says the word means, “to stand before.”  As a leader in my home I must accept the weighty responsibility of standing before my family.  I must stand with conviction and consistency.  That is required for faithful and fruitful church leadership also.  They must see the shepherd’s stand and they will follow his steps.

He is to do this “well.”  “The word…is kalōs (καλως), ‘beautifully, finely, excellently, well.’” ^[2]  We are painting a masterpiece.  God’s handiwork is on display.  This touches every dimension in the home.  The finances are in order.  The lawn is neat.  The house is clean.  The work of the kingdom in the home and house of God demands excellence, and ought to be a thing of beauty.

The pastor’s children need to be led to make an effort in their schoolwork, to be exemplary citizens, to have a strong work ethic, and most of all to have a heart for God.  Their development will be challenging—some more than others—but God gives grace.  This is the goal for all church members—not just the pastor’s—and such children often grow up to be solid servants in the church, influencing generations to come.

A PRAYER

Our Father in Heaven,

Your very name is to be revered!  May it be spoken frequently and fervently in our home.  Let our children learn that Your name represents all that You are and that all You are is incredibly glorious!  May Your kingdom come, first in my home—making my children to become Your children.  Help us set the standard of skillful leadership.  We need You to empower us!
In the Powerful Name of Christ,
Amen.

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^[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 221). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[2] Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (1 Ti 3:4). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

 

THE SHEPHERD’S STANDARD: The Leadership of Family

“A bishop then must be…one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)…” (1 Timothy 3:2,4-5 NKJV)

Our home is a laboratory for leadership.  God has ordained the father to shepherd that little flock.  If a man fails to lead those lambs, he will fail in other leadership areas as well—and especially in the church.  The same skills in leading a family are required to lead a congregation.  It may prove to be the greater challenge!

The reality is that when children have become adults, they will chart their own course—often, if pointed in the right direction, they will set sail on a life of following Christ.  Sadly, some will choose a different way, much to the heartbreak of godly fathers.  But, while the children are at home, they are under the supervision of God’s man and he is responsible for leading them.

It is a grave responsibility, and Satan will try to find a way to destroy the pastor’s home.  Therefore, the man of God must give his children much attention.  If we are not careful, we can become so consumed with leading member’s children to Christ that we neglect to win our own!

This is no easy task.  Yet, guiding our children to Christ and growing them in Christ is our duty.  The lambs of our household must be fed, led and protected just like those in the house of God.  Tender love and sacrificial ministry is to be rendered to the pastor’s sons and daughters.  The word, “care” is the command for what we are to do—and that is most suggestive. Lange in his commentary remarks about the same Greek word, “It is used in Luke 10:34, of the care of the Samaritan for the wounded Jew.” ^[1]  Our children will sustain many a wound along the way—physical, emotional, relational and spiritual.  We rightfully attend the church member in such a case, so let us not dare to ignore these hurts in our home.

A pastor’s reverence and submission to his Heavenly Father should move him to teach his children to respect and submit to their human father.  Instructing children to respect authority is one of the indispensable lessons needed.  May we renew our commitment to it.

A PRAYER

Perfect Father,

I am not!  A fallen man, filled with flaws—yet, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb—how much I need your wisdom and work in and through me on behalf of my children.  Enable me to be a good model for my wife and children to follow.  Have grace and mercy on my family!  Overrule my errors and guide me so I know how to guide them to heaven!
For the Sake of Your Son Jesus,
Amen.

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^[1] Lange, J. P., Schaff, P., & van Oosterzee, J. J. (2008). A commentary on the Holy Scriptures: 1 & 2 Timothy. (E. A. Washburn & E. Harwood, Trans.) (p. 39). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

THE SHEPHERD'S STANDARD: The Craving for Success

“A bishop then must be…not covetous…” (1 Timothy 3:2,3 NKJV)

Already the pastor has been warned of the danger of greed—how the passion for possessions has a corrupting influence.  None can serve God and mammon—let the pastor not think he will be the exception to the rule!

Covetousness includes the desire for money, but goes beyond that.  One of the powerful temptations in ministry is the coveting of success.  This is more than a passion for possessions, it is a passion for position—and the celebrity status that comes with it.  Lurking in the shadows of a preacher’s heart may be the lion of lust waiting to pounce, and in this case, not craving riches, but recognition, not stuff but status. 

“If I could just be in that prominent pulpit, my gifts would be acknowledged!”  Instead he chafes in the obscure little chapel where he labors unnoticed by the denominational hierarchy.  It is one of the most common, and yet most cancerous temptations for the minister of the Gospel.

An obvious symptom of this malignant spirit is a critical tongue that is always finding fault and cutting down other pastors—especially those deemed successful.  “They are compromising the Word to get a crowd!” we may sneer.  We might charge, “They are entertainers and not expositors!”  While sometimes these things may be true, more often it reveals the sin of covetousness in the critic’s soul.

The man of God is acting more like the spawn of Satan when he yields to this temptation.  Was it not covetousness for position that led a remarkable archangel named Lucifer to become the Devil?  Such a desire for success will destroy—it will disease your mind, discourage your ministry efforts, damage your members and defile your message.  Repent and seek God’s grace to overcome. 

One of the best pieces of counsel was given to me by a dear friend, Dale Fisher, who has served as a Director of Missions for decades.  At the outset of my ministry, he said, “God knows where you are and can get you where you need to be.”

A PRAYER

Blessed Sovereign,

I bow to Your sweet will.  You place Your servants where You want them to work.  Forgive us for trying to climb the church ladder.  Deliver us from this toxic craving for fame as a religious icon.  Must we have our name in print?  Nail our egotism to the cross!  Heal us of this soul disease.  Renew our mind and let us stoop to serve with humility as Jesus did.  Lord, may we wash the feet of the saints, instead of hoping they will bow at ours!
In the Spirit of Jesus,
Amen.

THE SHEPHERD’S STANDARD: The Rejection of Contentiousness

“A bishop then must be…gentle, not quarrelsome…” (1 Timothy 3:2,3 NKJV)

These two words taken together mean that a pastor rejects a contentious attitude and refuses contentious acts.  Gentleness is the attitude we embrace and saying kind words is the activity we evidence rather than being quarrelsome with our talk.  It is first an attitude before it is an action.

Mark it down—find someone who is always trying to start a conflict with someone, they are experiencing conflict in their soul.  The tension between the flesh and the Spirit, doubt and faith, obedience or disobedience—too often yielding to sin rather than surrendering to God in this war within, with accompanying guilt and shame—is the source of strife with others.  We must be at peace in our souls, submitted to the sovereignty of God, if we would exhibit peace with those made in His image.  Bitterness toward God and His dealings with us—our disappointment with Him—leads to belligerence toward others in our dealings with them.

But do we reject all contentiousness?  Is there not a time, “to contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3)?  Absolutely!  There will be need to stand for truth, yet we can do it compassionately as well as clearly.  Our message may be confrontational, but our motive and manner can be caring.  The preacher who has a disposition marked by ill-will is what is forbidden.  Such a man is always spoiling for a fight—eager to cast down the gauntlet over trivial matters.  We must contend for things that are essential to the Gospel, and stand for principle, while not being contentious about preferences in extraneous and peripheral issues.  The pastor dare not be a “Bible bully!”

The ISV renders this, “He must not be argumentative,” and The Message paraphrases it, “not thin-skinned.”  Beware having an ego that is easily bruised with its accompanying reactions.  Greek scholar, Kenneth Wuest commented that a pastor, “does not go about with a chip on his shoulder.”  If you do, someone will knock that chip off and then there is a brawl.  How this undermines the credibility of our message of love—such a contradiction!

A PRAYER

Tender and Long-suffering Lord,

How much You put up with concerning us!  We are so grateful that You are not thin-skinned!  If you were, there would be no hope for us.  Help us be patient in our dealings with others.  Remind us that to skin the hide of the sheep is to slaughter them!  Rather, let us lead them with kindness instead of driving them with contentiousness.  May our souls be calm in submission to Your will, whatever our circumstances may be.  Help us be led of the Spirit and not reacting out of fleshly impulse.  Remind us to take a deep breath, and think before we speak.  Cause our faces to be warm and inviting, instead of wrathful and rejecting.
In Christ’s Name and for His Sake,
Amen.