“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 NASB
When people think of a pastor failing they think in the context of the seven deadly sins organized by early Christian teachers. These teachers had listed the seven deadly sins as pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth. So many think if a pastor can avoid these temptations they will be successful. They also believe these are the battles a pasture must overcome. The above referenced verse says that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. Often times we mistakenly think this verse is about God not allowing a trial or tribulation to be beyond what we can bear. This is not true because what we fail to discuss as pastors is the breaking we must endure. The greatest temptation I would argue is not walking away from our calling.
A pastor is called to shepherd Jesus’ sheep. It is an awesome and great responsibility. As a pastor we must give an account of those who God has entrusted us with as well as ourselves. This in itself can be an overwhelming responsibility but with the Holy Spirit’s help we are able to accomplish what God has entrusted us with. So why do so many pastors fail?
I have reflected on this for the past year. I have been a pastor for 10 years and the pressure and desire to quit is at an all time high. It is not a feeling of burn out but instead a temptation to walk away from all God has called me to be because the price I am paying is too much.
In the past year I have learned of more pastors committing suicide than my previous nine years. The reason may be I have for the first time have had true empathy and not a judgmental spirit. I can empathize with what they are going through. I know mental illness can play a part but I think we often use mental illness as a way of saying that was their problem and not mine. I can relate to the despair, hopelessness, pressure, and burden it is to shepherd a church. This is not a problem for just pastors who have mega churches but I know we all have experienced the temptation to quit. Do keep in mind that often sin is just a coping mechanism to deal with the pressure we feel. So let me confess my own pressure and temptation to walk away from everything God has called me to do.
PEOPLE
The worse thing a pastor can be is a people pleaser. If this is your weakness pastoring will be impossible. You cannot please people. They will applaud you one day and curse you the next. This was Saul’s demise – he chose the people over God. We must learn to be obedient to God and shepherd people according to His direction. The best advice I received as a new associate pastor was to wear people like a loose garment. In other words know when it is time to just let go and stop trying to please everyone. It may sound cruel but I have learned people are going to behave the way they want to behave. Do not let them take you down the way they have deemed to be right in their own eyes. Follow Jesus, He is the one we are to emulate not man.
Also people are not your barometer on how gifted, anointed or valued you are in the Kingdom. A pastor of thousands is not valued more than a pastor of ten by God. People may scoff at pastors who shepherd a few and be mesmerized by those who can charm thousands. So don’t compare yourself to others or judge your worth by “your followers”. People ultimately belong to Jesus not us. They are not our people nor are they our sheep. Demonstrate the love of Christ and ensure you are pointing people in Hid direction and not yours. God will not share His glory with man.
From my own personal experience I have allowed people to gauge my value by God. Now that I am experiencing a season of great turmoil they are not around. I am truly in a desert place.
Stay tuned for Part 2.
Photo Credit Kristina Tripkovic
Reflections 