1. “I love this life!” – Not everyone gets to be a pastor. It’s a unique job (calling), a blessed, wonderful, honorable, exciting and yes, challenging life we lead. Go ahead and say it…”I love it!” It’s okay.
2. “I love God’s people!” – When we rag on the local church, we rag on someone’s wife. And it’s not just anyone’s spouse. So, go ahead and brag about your Lord’s beautiful, spectacular spouse. Jesus knew what he was doing when he called “her.” Compliment His choice.
3. I love God’s direction for my life!” – I guess this is the summation. Look back across the time you have spent pastoring. For me, that’s been well over 35 years. It’s tempting to think, “I wonder what life would have been like had I stayed in business? Or stayed with that utility company and was retired with great benefits now.” But what about the adventure of seeing thousands touched by the Gospel; hundreds serving in local churches; all the marriages that are still hanging in there; the young church planters and pastors who have started new churches, what about that? What about the fellowship you have with that special group known as local pastors? God knew what he was doing when he called you. He still knows what he is doing. Go ahead…thank him…and do it regularly.
