Is it really that bad?

I attended a pastor's gathering last night. We had a GREAT meal. Then a h.s. football coach sang. I never would have guessed him a football coach. Then we had a speaker (who shall remain nameless).

Granted, this speaker was addressing mostly pastor's and their spouses... so I'm sure he was trying to connect with us. And, like so many other speakers-to-pastors I hear, he started out by telling us how tough it is to be a pastor. How we're never thanked, never appreciated; how hard it is to be Christian; how un-Christian the world is, etc., etc., etc.

I can appreciate the man's concern, but... is it really that bad? Sure, I have had my share of bad days. But I had bad days when I was a gas station attendant. I had bad days working in a factory. The truth is... I have plenty of great days being a paid ministry person. I am thanked plenty; I feel appreciated by many; and I don't know that it's any harder being a Christian now than ever. It might be different, but I don't think harder. Overall, I love my job. Like I've said before... I actually get paid to live out my faith! What could be better than that?

There have been times I thought it sucked being a pastor. I think the difference came when I quit worrying about whether or not I was "successful." When I quit trying to live up to someone else's expectations. Am I a much-sought-after speaker? No. Do I have a best-selling book? No. But do I enjoy the journey of faith God has called me into with these particular people? Yes.

1 Peter 5:10-11
"But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That's why he had Christ Jesus choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. God will be in control forever! Amen."

If you are a pastor... please don't buy into the lie that you have it so much harder than anyone else. Enjoy God's activity in your life (and those around you), and be encouraged that you are being made 'complete, steady, strong, and firm.' If you are not a pastor... enjoy what God has called you to also. God's undeserved kindness is for EVERYONE.

Life is good. God is great. Peace. Live the revolution!